Horumar

30.3.2023: Kismayo, Lower Jubba

The Somali National Army (SNA) repulsed two separate attacks by militant group Al-Shabab on military bases near Kismayo and the city of Beledweyne in Hiiraan according to State Media.

The reports coming from the regions indicate that SNA units backed by local clan militia known as ‘Macawisley’ repulsed an attack by Al-Shabab militants who had crossed the Shabelle River near Baardheere in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Similarly, SNA forces supported by Jubaland State Forces foiled a separate attack by Al-Shabab militants further south near Sanguni village in Lower Jubba. Militants had fired several mortar rounds on the military base before attempting to overrun the area.

The Federal Government has not officially released a statement regarding the incidents however Al-Shabab militants released images of the aftermath of what it claims was the battles that unfolded. The group went on further to say they had killed 32 government forces however all statements released by the group must be taken with a pinch of salt.

New Offensives

The attacks by Al-Shabab come only days after President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud visited troops and locals in the recently liberated town of Aadan Yabaal, a former Al-Shabab stronghold in the region.

The Federal Government has pledged to launch new offensives against Al-Shabab positions in Southern Somalia as it plans to begin its second phase of operations against the group.

The war against the militant group has stalled in recent weeks following an “all-out war” declared by President Mahmoud last year which saw dozens of towns and villages liberated by SNA forces backed by local clan militia.

For more on Somalia, follow Suldan Mohamed and HORUMAR.