Intelligence official among 12 soldiers killed in Somalia blast

Security sources, who have asked not to be named, told KON that a remote-controlled roadside bomb targeted a vehicle carrying chief of NISA in Dhusamareb, Colonel Abdirashid Qooje, and his bodyguards.

News Keydmedia Online
7 February 2021

DHUSAMAREB, Somalia – At least 12 soldiers were killed and several others wounded on Sunday by an explosion in central Somalia amid increasing terrorist attacks in the country ahead of the elections.

Security sources, who have asked not to be named, told KON that a remote-controlled roadside bomb targeted a vehicle carrying chief of NISA in Dhusamareb, Colonel Abdirashid Qooje, and his bodyguards.

The convoy was traveling in Eldhere village located some 30 kilometers away from Galmudug state capital, where Somalia’s top leaders held a three-day meeting on the election dispute last week.

The attack claimed the life of the young intelligence commander and 11 soldiers escorting him to the town following an operation in the nearby areas, where Al-Shabaab has been amassing in recent days.

Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack, according to pro-group media outlets.

The terrorists fired mortar rounds in Dhusamareb twice during the talks between President Farmajo and leaders of the Federal States last week, targeting key areas, including the airport.

The current Galmudug administration led by Qoor Qoor has been accused of failing to ensure security and fight Al-Shabaab which poses threat to the peace and stability in the region.

KON English News Desk