Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Abdelh
Published on 2024-03-23 22:06:28
Somalia was shaken by a brutal attack carried out by the Islamist group al Shabaab, resulting in the deaths of at least 17 individuals. The deadly assault targeted the Busley military base located in the Lower Shabelle region of the country’s southwest. Both security officials and the extremist group confirmed the attack on Saturday.
The attackers, armed members of al Shabaab, made their way to the military base using suicide car bombs, as recounted by a Somalia military officer who spoke to Reuters. The officer, who chose to remain anonymous due to lack of authorization to speak to the media, described the intense fighting that ensued. “Several suicide car bombs attacked the base after fierce fighting… al Shabaab briefly captured the base,” he stated. However, government reinforcements arrived swiftly and managed to drive out the assailants.
Tragically, the skirmish resulted in the loss of seven Somalia soldiers, including the base commander, and the lives of 10 al Shabaab fighters. Witnesses in the area reported that al Shabaab also set fire to military vehicles and seized others during the chaotic assault.
In a chilling statement released following the attack, al Shabaab claimed responsibility and boasted of killing 57 government soldiers. It is worth noting that the group often inflates casualty figures to amplify their impact. Efforts to obtain comments from Somalia government officials regarding the incident were unsuccessful.
For close to two decades, al Shabaab, an al Qaeda-affiliated organization, has been embroiled in a deadly struggle to destabilize Somalia’s central government and impose its own harsh interpretation of Islamic sharia law. The group’s persistent attacks pose a significant threat to the peace and stability of the region.
The events surrounding the attack on the Busley military base serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing violence and conflict plaguing Somalia. The country continues to grapple with the persistent threat posed by al Shabaab, highlighting the challenges faced in establishing peace and security in the region.
As the situation unfolds, the residents of Somalia and the international community remain vigilant in monitoring developments and addressing the root causes of extremism and violence in the country. The fight against militant groups like al Shabaab requires a coordinated and comprehensive approach to combat their destructive actions and protect the lives of all individuals in the region.
Source: Reuters
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