By Our Reporter
WORLD
Al-Shabaab has targeted the Ethiopian military base near Doolow with two suicide bombers.
The attack occurred this morning, Wednesday, 7th June, 2023 at about 10am local time.
Reports of loud explosions were first reported by residents of Somalia town of Doolow who say they heard two successive explosions in the vicinity of a military base manned by Ethiopian troops. The base is about 2-3km east of the town.
The Attack happened hours after a local politician accused moles within Somalia’s intelligence agency of attempting to create instability in the region in collaboration with terrorist groups. Karar Aden Rukow said “they want use Gedo as transit base also.”
Shortly afterwards, Al-Shabaab released a statement claiming that it sent two suicide bombers to target the Ethiopian military base near Doolow, Wednesday.
Eyewitnesses however say the attackers were neutralized before reaching the target which was the Ethiopian troop’s base.
“The car was blasted off in the front gate of the base. No casualties or any kind of harm to the Ethiopian troops or the Civilians nearby was inflicted,” said an eyewitness.
The Federal Government of Somalia official statement below;
Ethiopian National Defence Forces (non ATMIS) , who are supporting the Federal Government of Somalia’s campaign to eliminate terrorism have thwarted Kharijites Al Shabab attack at their base in Dolow in southern Somalia.
The attack, which involved two vehicles, was promptly foiled by the vigilant Ethiopian security forces stationed at the base, resulting in the neutralization of the attackers and the prevention of any casualties.
According to a senior Somalia National Army, who confirmed the incident, the first vehicle, a Toyota Surf Hilux, exploded at the entrance of the base, causing significant damage and injuring four soldiers.
However, due to the swift and decisive actions of the Ethiopian forces, the second vehicle, a Suzuki SUV, was neutralized before reaching the base, averting any further harm.
The Ethiopian forces stationed in Somalia are part of a larger regional mobilization force actively engaged in the second phase of the operation against Al-Shabaab. This joint effort aims to combat and eliminate the threat posed by the terrorist organization, which has been a significant challenge in the region for years.
The Somali National Army will lead the second phase of the offensive against Al Shabab, in which forces from the neighboring countries of Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti will take part. The offensive is aimed to eliminate the terrorists, and prevent them from crossing the border to cause harm, will last for a short period. All neighboring countries forces will return to their countries upon the completion of the mission.
The successful defense of the Ethiopian base highlights the determination and capability of the regional coalition forces in countering the activities of Al-Shabaab.
The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for continued cooperation and collaboration among the nations involved in the fight against terrorism.
