Mogadishu – Al-Shabab militants engaged in a fierce clash with Somali security forces on Saturday night, marking the extremist group’s first direct assault on the Somali capital in years.
The nearly half-hour-long attack, led by dozens of heavily armed militants, unfolded in the western part of Mogadishu’s Daynile district, sending shockwaves of fear throughout the local community.
The audacious assault by Al-Shabab, an Islamist extremist organization linked to Al-Qaeda, caught both authorities and residents off guard.
Security forces were quick to respond, engaging the militants in a fierce firefight that lasted for several intense minutes. Gunfire and explosions reverberated through the area, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing heavily armed Al-Shabab fighters launching a coordinated attack on key strategic positions within Daynile district. The sound of gunfire echoed through the streets, as terrified residents sought shelter in their homes, fearing for their lives.
“The attack was terrifying. We could hear gunfire and explosions all around us,” said Ahmed Abdi, a resident of Daynile district. “It felt like a war zone, and we were trapped in the middle of it. We’ve never seen anything like this in years.”
Al-Shabab, which aims to establish an Islamic state in Somalia, has previously carried out numerous attacks across the country, targeting security forces, government officials and civilians.
However, their assaults on the Capital have become increasingly rare in recent years, as security forces, backed by the African Union forces, have made significant gains in countering the extremist group.
The attack in Mogadishu serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabab and their ability to strike at the heart of the country. It also underscores the challenges faced by Somali authorities in ensuring the security and stability of the capital.
Security forces swiftly mobilized in response to the attack, launching a counteroffensive to neutralize the militants and secure the area. The clash between the two sides resulted in casualties on both ends, although specific figures have yet to be released.
The Somali government has yet to comment on the attack, seen unprecedented n the city since al-Shabaab has been ousted from Mogadishu in 2011.
Facebook Comments