The Al-Qaeda affiliate in Somalia, Harakat Shabaab Mujahideen from the beginning of Holy month of Ramadan has claimed a number of attacks from across regions of Somalia, though notably low-scale attacks.
On April 24. Al-Shabaab claimed an attack on AMISOM-Ugandan troops in Barawe, Lower Shabelle in southern Somalia. The attack marked the beginning of Ramadan involved a suicide vehicle borne improvised explosive device (SVBIED). In mid-March, Al-Shabaab fired mortar shells targeting the same AMISOM base in Barawe.
April 25. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility on attempted raid on Barawe Airport in Lower Shabelle region of Somalia, a day after targeting Ugandan troops’ base in the same locality. Also, Al-Shabaab claimed attack by use of IEDs targeting SNA soldiers in Lower Shabelle region of Somalia on April 20 and 21 respectively.
April 26. Al-Shabaab claimed 9 mortar shells targeting African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM), Halane base camp that houses AMISOM troops and western diplomatic offices in the capital Mogadishu. Civilian casualties were reported. Halane base camp, a heavily fortified facility has been a targeted for the Al-Qaeda aligned Al-Shabaab.
April 26. Al-Shabaab claimed assassination of a civilian in the capital Mogadishu. In mid-April, Al-Shabaab assassinated a doctor in the outskirt of Mogadishu and claims of spying for SNA and allied partner forces.
April 28. Al-Shabaab publicly executed three men in Ceelbur district in Galgudud region in Central Somalia. The men were accused of spying for SNA and AMISOM. In mid-April, Al-Shabaab executed six alleged spies in southern Somalia, Middle Juba region.
May 3. Al-Shabaab claimed two attacks on SNA bases in El Salini and Barire in southeastern, Lower Shabelle region of Somalia. The attacks were repulsed and 10 Al-Shabaab operatives killed. In a notable trend pattern, Al-Shabaab has previously targeted El Salini SNA base. In late February, Al-Shabaab attacked El Salini base and killed 20 SNA soldiers.
May 1. Al-Shabaab claimed ambush raid on AMISOM-Burundian troops’ base in Haji Ali area of Middle Shabelle, Central Somalia region of Somalia. Casualties and other battle spoils reported.
May 3. Al-Shabaab publicly executed a man in Adan Yabal district, Middle Shabelle, Central region of Somalia. The man was accused of spying for SNA and U.S. forces.
May 5. Al-Shabaab claim of 2 Government officials in the capital Mogadishu, Somalia. The first attack targeted an officer from the Somalia Civil Aviation Authority, the officer was gunned by an Al-Shabaab assailant who fled the scene in Dharkenley Mogadishu. The second attack was against a police officer in the Hodan district of Mogadishu.
Observation
- In the past two weeks, the militant Islamist group activities in the Horn Africa were recorded in three theaters: Mogadishu, Middle Shabelle, Galgudud in Central Somalia and Lower Shabelle region. At least nine terror events were recorded.
- Lower Shabelle remains the battlefield for unending clashes between the militants, AMISOM and SNA in recent months.
- Though the ultimate targets of the militants remain Somali government officials, installations, Somali security forces and AMISOM troops with Somalia civilians also suffering from these attacks. Assassination and execution of civilians has been witnessed on allegation of spying for SNA and allied partner forces. Executions by firing squad of the militant group have been done publicly in what is viewed a tactic to instill fear to civilians to desist collaborating with security forces.
- While intelligence assets reported of large groups of fighters being assigned on a mission previously, Al-Shabaab is opting small units to avoid detection and suffering casualties by unexpected precision airstrikes and besides cushioning it fighters from the coronavirus that is fast soaring in Somalia.
- It’s notable that, Al-Shabaab continues to deploy IED, SVBIEDs, RCIEDs and Landmines as preferred attack types. Security forces both SNA and AMISOM remains the group’s key target.
