Barawe Blast Raises Questions Over Somalia’s Security Push After Army Chief’s Visit

BARAWE, Somalia - Multiple casualties were reported in the ancient town of Barawe after an explosion that targeted the area, but the exact number of deaths and injuries is yet to be confirmed by authorities based in the region, according to sources.

The bomb explosion planted inside a restaurant occurred in the town of Barawe, located in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region. The town is prone to Al-Shabaab attacks, and the militants have often raided it, leaving several people dead.

According to reports, the Somali National Army (SNA) chief, Odowaa Yusuf Rageh, had left the coastal town in the Lower Shabelle region after inaugurating the newly constructed headquarters of the 6th Battalion under the 60th Division of the Somali National Army.

The new facility, considered vital for command and security operations in the region, was formally handed over to the units stationed there. The division is set to provide security for locals in the busy town.

Upon his arrival at the Barawe Airport, General Odowaa was warmly received by the Commander of the 60th Division, Colonel Mohamed Yaris Aden, along with other senior security and local administration officials.

The inauguration ceremony formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the operational capacity and readiness of the Somali National Army, as the military leadership continues to prioritize modernizing and enhancing key command infrastructure across the country.

Some other reports indicated that the blast, which took place near the Darwish Forces headquarters — a location that previously served as a base for Somali National Army troops — resulted in the death of one person and injuries to several others.

The country is fighting both Al-Shabaab and ISIS militants in the centres, southern and northern regions, with the groups fighting hard to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is accused of doing little to diffuse the surge of terror attacks.

GAROWE ONLINE