In a brazen assault on Friday morning, the militant group al-Shabab launched an attack on a base housing Ugandan troops of the African Union Transition Mission (ATMIS) in Bulla Mareer district, located in the Lower Shabelle region of Somalia.
The attack commenced shortly after morning prayers with a powerful explosion, believed to have been caused by an explosives-laden vehicle. The base, situated approximately 110 kilometers (68 miles) away from the capital, Mogadishu, became the scene of further violence as two subsequent explosions occurred within the camp. This was followed by an intense firefight between the Ugandan troops and the assailants.
Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack, asserting that they had successfully captured the camp and inflicted heavy casualties, including the deaths of numerous ATMIS soldiers. However, there has been no independent confirmation of the group’s claims thus far.
ATMIS, in response to the incident, stated that its forces are currently assessing the security situation in the area. As of now, there has been no official statement from the Somali government regarding the attack.
Ugandan army spokesperson Felix Kulayigye, speaking to Kenya’s Daily Nation, mentioned that the military is investigating the assault. While attributing the raid to “foreign insurgents,” he refrained from providing further details.
The extent of the damage caused by the attack is yet to be determined. Fortunately, civilians have remained inside their homes, and although some bullets have struck houses, no significant damage or casualties have been reported.
According to BBC, Local residents in Bulo Mareer revealed that they could hear the sound of helicopters hovering over the city, indicating the possible involvement of aerial support in the ongoing situation.
The attack by al-Shabab highlights the persistent threat posed by the militant group in Somalia and the challenges faced by international forces in their mission to stabilize the region. As the situation unfolds, efforts will be made to assess the full impact of the attack and address the security concerns arising from this brazen act of violence.
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