Al-Shabaab bombing at a checkpoint in Somalia kills soldiers

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Al-Shabaab militants yet again raided a critical security checkpoint in Lower Shabelle, just as the country prepares for the second and perhaps final assault on the militants in southern Somalia, which will target Jubaland and Southwest states.

Several militants are believed to have died, in what has been termed as a major win in the concerted effort to beat the militants, who have wreaked havoc in Somalia for the last 16 years. The militants are fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia.

Reports indicate that the militants used a suicide car for the attack before opening fire indiscriminately, targeting members of the public. The Al-Shabaab militants often go for security forces, senior government officials, and innocent civilians.

Dahir Amin Jesow, who stayed with the attacked army, stated that government and local militia forces killed several militants during the attack. The local militia is integral in the fight against the Al-Shabaab group within central and southern regions.

"We defended ourselves against the Khawarij who attacked us, and we delivered a significant blow. We have the militants' bodies, which we will display to the media," said MP Jesoow.

According to the lawmaker, a number of the Somali National Army officers also died in the process as they defended civilians. Those wounded, he added, were taken to Balligodle army base for advanced treatment, under the care of US Africa Command and the Danab Special Forces.

The Somali National Army with assistance from the US Africa Command and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS], has been fighting jointly to defeat the militants, who still pose a threat to the stability of the country. Local militia have also been on the frontline.

GAROWE ONLINE