Al-Shabaab attacks army base near Kismayo city

The battle erupted after Al-Shabaab militants attacked a military base in Baarka area,  sparking nearly an hour of confrontation between the two sides.

News Keydmedia Online
1 May 2022

KISMAYO, Somalia - Heavy fighting between Jubaland regional forces and Al-Shabaab broke out on the outskirts of Kismayo in the Lower Jubba region, causing casualties.

The battle erupted after Al-Shabaab militants attacked a military base in Baarka area,  sparking nearly an hour of confrontation between the two sides.

Local residents said they heard gunfire and confirmed that at least three Jubaland soldiers were wounded in the ambush raid. The officials said they inflicted losses on the militants.

The latest reports say that the situation returned to normal and the area is under the control of the Jubaland state troops who are backed by the Kenyan Defence Forces [KDF].

Since Al-Shabaab was driven out of Kismayo in 2012 by KDF, the group has been strong in the nearby areas, and levies taxes on local businesses and goods imported at the port.

Ahmed Madobe, who has been Jubaland leader since 2013 failed to liberate Middle Jubba region entirely under Al-Shabaab control. KDF guards the port, a major source of revenue.

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