Somalia: Soldiers Killed in Al-Shabab Ambush near port city

KISMAYO, Somalia - At least two Somali soldiers were killed and five others injured in an ambush by Al-Shabab militants near Bulo Haji town on Wednesday, a government spokesperson confirmed.

The attack occurred around 10:30 AM local time when al-Shabab fighters launched a surprise attack on a convoy of Somali regional soldiers who were on patrol in the area.

The militants used heavy weapons and explosives in the assault, which lasted for about 30 minutes, according to multiple sources. Bulo Haji lies 80 kilometers southwest of Kismayo port city, which serves as the interim seat of Jubaland state.

Security officials reported an unspecified number of casualties among al-Shabab fighters and the destruction of four battle wagons, including three belonging to the militants. The Somali soldiers managed to repel the attack and forced the militants to retreat.

The ambush comes as the Somali government continues its efforts to combat the al-Qaeda-linked group, which has been waging an insurgency against the government and international forces for over a decade.

The government has been working to increase security and stability in the region, but al-Shabab continues to carry out attacks on government forces and civilians. The group lost control of large areas of southern and central Somalia to the Somali army and local clan fighters in the past two years.

The government has vowed to continue its efforts to defeat al-Shabab and restore peace and stability to the region. "We will not be deterred by these cowardly attacks," said a government spokesperson. "We will continue to fight until al-Shabab is defeated and peace is restored."

The international community has also condemned the attack and pledged to support the Somali government in its fight against al-Shabab. "We stand with the Somali people in their struggle for peace and security," said a spokesperson for the United Nations. "We will continue to provide assistance and support to help them defeat al-Shabab and build a brighter future for their country."

GAROWE ONLINE