Al-Shabaab attacks AU base in Somalia, 2nd raid in a week

The latest reports suggest that Kenyan forces managed to push back the attackers and remain in control of the base camp which is key for their military operations against Al-Shabaab in the region.

News Keydmedia Online
8 May 2022

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A heavy fighting was reported in an area in the Lower Jubba region between Kenyan forces of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and Al-Shabaab.

The battle erupted after Al-Shabaab militants reportedly attacked a Kenyan military base in Hosingow area of ​​Badhadhe district early in the morning, sparking nearly an hour of confrontation. 

Residents in the area, told Keydmedia English by phone that they heard sustained gunfire from the KDF base and that there were casualties on both sides as well as civilians caught in the crossfire.

We were terrified during the fighting, and feared harm from the fighting between Al-Shabaab and Kenyan forces,' said a villager who asked to remain anonymous. 

The latest reports suggest that Kenyan forces managed to push back the attackers and remain in control of the base camp which is key for their military operations against Al-Shabaab in the region.

On May 3, heavily armed Al-Shabaab extremists launched a pre-dawn assault on ATMIS base housing Burundian peacekeepers in El-Baraf, Middle Shabelle region, killings dozens of soldiers.

The Al-Qaeda-linked militant group has stepped up attacks as Somalia is preparing for a long-anticipated presidential election slated for May 15 in Mogadishu amid security concerns. 

KEYDMEDIA English