MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – More than a dozen Somali army personnel were killed on Monday when a military truck carrying troops was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED) near the town of Mubarak in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region, according to reports.
The attack targeted a Somali military vehicle travelling between Awdhegle and Mubarak, two locations where Somali forces maintain bases after capturing the areas several months ago with the assistance of Ugandan ground forces and Turkish air force.
Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the bombing, saying its attack killed over 20 Somali soldiers and wounded dozens of others.
The reported death toll, however, remained disputed. Prominent Somali journalist Abdalle Ahmed Mumin put the number of soldiers killed at 30 and reported that many others were injured.
Images following the attack showed the wreckage of the targeted military truck left along the road, underscoring the force of the blast.
Reports also indicated that a military commander was among those killed.
Somalia’s government has not yet issued a public comment on the attack, and there is therefore no independent government confirmation of the casualty figures claimed by Al-Shabaab or reported by Mumin.
The bombing comes as Al-Shabaab intensifies attacks across southern and central Somalia, challenging Somali forces in areas where government troops have sought to consolidate territorial gains against the militant group.
The attack also comes at a sensitive moment for Somalia’s security campaign, with African Union troop-contributing countries preparing to draw down their forces ahead of December.
The strike near Mubarak highlights the continuing threat facing Somali forces along key routes in the southern and central regions, where military positions and recently captured territory remain vulnerable to insurgent attacks.
For the Somali army, the deadly bombing represents another serious challenge as it works to maintain control of territory recovered from Al-Shabaab while the broader regional security presence undergoes a planned transition.
Contact us: info@somaliguardian.com
