Somalia: Government soldiers killed in roadside bomb attack in Mahaday

MAHADAY, Somalia- At least three Somali government soldiers were killed, and several others wounded in roadside bomb attack against military convoy near the southern town of Mahaday on Thursday, Garowe Online reports.

A local resident has confirmed the attack, saying it has happened when a remote-controlled landmine bomb targeted a military convoy carrying Somali and African Union forces (AMISOM).

"It was a powerful blast that struck Somali and AMISOM forces traveling in convoy outside Biyo Adde village," he added. the village located at the outskirts of Mahaday town in Middle Shabelle region.

However, Al Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack, according to a statement posted on affiliated media outlets to the group. They said they have killed five soldiers in the blast.

On the other hand, Somali army officials and AMISOM officials are yet to release a statement in regard to the attack against the military convoy. 

In the past few weeks Al Qaida-affiliated Al Shabaab group has raised its attacks against security forces, government officials and civilian targets in the southern regions of Somalia, in a bid to topple the new administration led by President Mohamed Abdulahi Farmajo who vowed to eradicate the group during his term.

GAROWEONLINE