Al Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the early morning attack on Somali government troops in the newly-captured town of Awdhegle in Lower Shabelle. The attack was preceded by an SVBIED attack after which the terrorists launched rocket-propelled grenades at the newly created military base.
The SNA has since withdrawn from the town following the attack that left casualties on both sides. The gunfire exchange has left the newly established military base deserted with reports of further retaliatory attacks by the al Shabaab imminent.
The attack comes as reports of the injury of the al Shabaab’s spokesperson in the neighboring Sham village in the agricultural-rich region emerge. Lower Shabelle has a very heavy presence of al Shabaab militants who can offer back up especially following the recent and frequent attacks on the positions and network in the region.
