Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Al-Shabaab claims deadly ambush on Somali government forces
The militant group al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for an attack on Turkish-trained Somali troops and allied militias in Lower Shabelle region, asserting that over 300 soldiers were killed in the assault.
LSN Malaysia ·
Al-Shabaab announced late Monday that it had launched a major attack against government forces in Somalia's Lower Shabelle region, claiming to have inflicted significant casualties on Turkish-trained troops and militia units operating in the area.
The militant organisation asserted that 321 soldiers were killed in the ambush, which targeted both Somali government forces and allied militias. The group further claimed that Turkish fighter jets provided air support to the targeted forces during the operation.
The Lower Shabelle region, situated south of the capital Mogadishu, has long been a flashpoint for security operations as the Somali government seeks to counter the al-Shabaab insurgency with international support. Turkish military advisors have been instrumental in training and equipping Somali forces as part of counter-terrorism efforts in the Horn of Africa nation.
Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda affiliated militant group, regularly carries out attacks against Somali government targets, security forces, and civilian populations. The group has waged a decades-long insurgency aimed at overthrowing Somalia's federal government and establishing Islamic rule.
Independent verification of casualty figures from militant claims is typically difficult in Somalia's conflict zones. The Somali government has not yet released an official statement regarding the reported incident.