​Somalia: Two military officers killed in al-Shabaab ambush near Hudur

HUDUR, Somalia- At least two Southwest state army commanders were reported to have been killed in al-Shabaab ambush attack near Hudur, the regional capital of Bakol region on Thursday, Garowe Online reports.

Confirming the incident, senior official in the region, told GO that the militants have ambushed army convoy that was transporting military supplies to state troops in a small village outside Hudur district.

The official who spoke on condition of anonymity said the regional forces engaged with al-Shabaab fighters in a fierce fight that left two officers identified as Hussein Hassan Gaduud and Adow Mohamed Liif.

He added the troops responded and managed to drive away the fighters who suffered heavy losses. Thursday’s attack occurred at Aboore area, located about 25 kilometers away from Hudur.

Al-Shabaab said, the militants used heavy artillery during the ambush against the soldiers, and burned down several battle wagons. However, the reports could not be independently verified.

Meanwhile, Southwest, a federal member state based in Baidoa town of Southern Somalia is yet to release a statement, regarding to the attack and the casualties.

In the past few months, the militant group al-Shabaab has stepped up attacks against the state’s forces, as a military strategy in its losing battle to retain towns in Bakol region that it once controlled.

GAROWEONLINE