Al-Shabaab Militants Launch Attack on Ethiopian Military Base in Somalia
-
Staff Reporter GAROWE ONLINE
- Posted On 12-10-2024, 11:47AM
WAJID, Somalia - Ethiopian troops in Somalia's Bakool region came under attack from al-Shabaab militants late Friday, triggering a fierce counter-offensive in the Wajid district, according to local sources. The initial assault on the Ethiopian military base prompted a heavy retaliation with both sides engaging in intense combat.
Witnesses reported continuous sounds of explosions and gunfire, suggesting a significant escalation in the area. In response to the ambush, Ethiopian forces launched a series of mortar attacks targeting al-Shabaab strongholds within and around Wajid.
Details on the human toll from the confrontation remain sparse, with neither the Ethiopian military nor local authorities issuing an official toll of casualties or damage. The lack of official information has fueled concerns among residents.
On Saturday, Ethiopian troops intensified their presence in Wajid, conducting sweeping operations aimed at securing the area amid fears of further attacks by al-Shabaab militants. This escalation reflects Ethiopia's ongoing military support to Somalia in its fight against Islamist insurgents.
Wajid saw large pro-Ethiopia protests last month after the Somali government announced the decision to kick Ethiopian troops out of the country in December 2024 due to Addis Ababa's sea access MoU with Somaliland. Locals say the ENDF is a close ally and wants to stay in the Bakool region.
Al-Shabaab, an extremist group with a strong foothold in Somalia, declared through a short message that they had successfully attacked Ethiopian forces, causing casualties and seizing military equipment. The statement, however, was vague about specifics.
The attack in Wajid illustrates the enduring security issues in Somalia, a country plagued by instability where al-Shabaab presents a persistent challenge to peace and stability. This incident marks another chapter in the ongoing saga of confrontations that underscore the fragility of security in the Bakool region.
GAROWE ONLINE
