Somalia: Grenade explosions rattle Bossaso Port City

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BOSSASO, Somalia, May 4, 2015 (Garowe Online)-At least two grenade explosions have rocked Gulf of Aden port city of Bossaso on Monday evening according to witnesses, Garowe Online reports.

Security sources have confirmed that a civilian bystander died while two others sustained injuries after suspected Al Shabaab gunmen targeted a security checkpoint in new Bossaso neighborhood with hand grenades.

The attack on security forces manning Afar-Irdodka checkpoint follows a string of pre-planned raids by Al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab militants in Galgala.

Three weeks ago, Al Shabaab gunmen raided a police station in Puntland’s most populous city.

Meanwhile, Al Shabaab fighters have briefly seized army base near Bossaso, killing a soldier and wounding three others.

The deadly assault occurred in Yalho village which lies 50km from the Gulf of Aden port city.

8-member panel of UN experts said in confidential report in late 2014, that ‘catch and release policy’ adopted by Puntland President fuelled upsurge in terror operations.

Puntland Army Chief faulted bad weather and rough topography for retreats on the frontline.

No body claimed the simultaneous grenade attacks and brief seizure but Puntland Defence Forces (PDFs) and militants fought in sporadic battles in Galgala, some 50km southwest of Bossaso. 

GAROWE ONLINE 

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