On 2nd August 2018, The Islamic States branch in Somalia, Abnaa Ul-Calipha, issued a statement through propaganda outlet Amaq Agency claiming it killed three members of the Somali National Army SNA in Elasha Biyaha outskirt of the Capital Mogadishu, Somalia. Intelligence sources report militants fired at the soldiers using pistols and left the scene of the incident.
In today’s attack, the 72nd overall, Abnaa Ul-Calipha demonstrated capability to continue carrying out terror attacks beyond Mogadishu, and increasing number of casualties per attack. This is despite the arrest of 4 members in Mogadishu in past 2 months, an indicator that their numbers have swelled and possibility of larger cells beyond the capital are growing. This would only mean an escalation of the threat in Somalia and beyond.
The location of the event, Elasha Biyaha, is a small township located in Afgooye district, Lower Shebelle, Somalia, approximately 15 kilometers outside the capital Mogadishu. The area is a flashpoint with both Abnaa Ul Calipha and Al-Shabaab militants conducting operations.
