Facebook Twitter Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
Militants launched an early morning assault on Somali National Army positions in Sabiib and Anole, escalating violence amid Ramadan
Mogadishu (HOL) — Early Thursday morning, Al-Shabaab militants attacked Somali military bases in the Sabiib and Anole areas near Afgoye, in the Lower Shabelle region. The attack started with a loud explosion, followed by heavy gunfire between the militants and government forces.
Residents in the area reported casualties on both sides, but exact numbers are still unknown. People described hearing intense gunfire and explosions as the battle continued. Despite the attack, the Somali National Army (SNA) successfully defended its positions and kept control of the bases.
Since the attack, the situation in Sabiib and Anole has stabilized, with the military maintaining its stronghold. However, the government has not yet made an official statement about the incident, leaving some uncertainty about the full extent of the attack and its impact.
Al-Shabaab has been increasing its attacks on military bases in the Middle and Lower Shabelle regions, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. The group has a history of intensifying its violent activities during this time.
Just days before this attack, on Tuesday, Al-Shabaab targeted a convoy carrying Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Mogadishu. The ambush resulted in the deaths of at least eight people, including civilians, showing that the group is still capable of launching high-profile attacks, even in the heavily secured capital.
The following day, Al-Shabaab militants fired mortars at the Halane compound, a highly fortified area near Aden Adde International Airport. Security sources confirmed that at least two mortar shells landed inside the compound, one near the Movement Control (Movcon) section, where United Nations personnel prepare for flights. This attack proved that Al-Shabaab can still breach high-security zones and threaten critical locations.
The recent wave of attacks highlights the ongoing security challenges Somalia faces. Al-Shabaab continues to wage war against government forces and international allies, using ambushes, bombings, and assassinations to maintain its presence.
The Somali government, with support from regional and international partners, has been actively fighting Al-Shabaab. Recent military operations have pushed the group out of several areas, but the militants have adapted their tactics, resorting to hit-and-run attacks and urban terrorism.
Experts believe that Al-Shabaab’s recent attacks are a response to increased military pressure against them. The group often escalates violence during Ramadan, using it as an opportunity for propaganda and recruitment. By carrying out high-profile attacks, they aim to show strength and resilience despite ongoing military efforts to weaken them.
The Somali government now faces the challenge of tightening security while continuing its counterterrorism efforts. The international community, including the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), remains committed to supporting Somalia in its fight against Al-Shabaab.
These recent attacks in Lower Shabelle, Mogadishu, and the Halane compound serve as a reminder that Somalia still has a long way to go in achieving lasting security. While government forces have made progress in pushing back Al-Shabaab, the group’s ability to strike key locations means there is still a need for vigilance and strategic action.
In the coming weeks, it will be crucial to see whether these attacks are part of a temporary increase in violence or the beginning of a larger wave of militant activities. The Somali government’s response, both militarily and politically, will play a key role in shaping the country’s fight against extremism.