Fierce fighting erupted in the outskirts of Baidoa after Al-Shabab militants launched an attack on a military base housing Somali National Army (SNA) and Dervish forces.
The fighting broke out in Burjeedka settlement which lies in between Deynuunay and Baidoa in Baay province.
The heavy fighting lasted for many hours and the two sides used all kinds of heavy weapons.Al-Shabab fighters met strong resistance from Somali National Army (SNA) and Dervish forces.
Reports say that the Somali troops utterly defeated Al-Shabab militants that raided the base. It is reported that heavy casualties were inflicted on Al-Shabab militants.
Southwest State Security agencies confirmed that 20 Al-Shabab fighters were killed in the fighting.
The dead bodies of Al-shabab fighters killed in the fighting were taken to Baidoa and were displayed in Afar Irdoodka Park where hundreds of local residents gathered to see Al-Shabab corpses.
A senior Commander who led the fighting against Al-Shabab militants said that the dead bodies of Al-shabab militants are scattered in Deynuunay which they tried to conduct the raid on the military base.
Southwest State administration who has spoken of the raid said that the brave Somali National Army (SNA) prevented Al-Shabab’s raid and further confirmed that they inflicted heavy casualties on the militant group. It is confirmed that the Somali troops have captured prisoners from Al-Shabab militant.
Southwest State has said that it will continue operations against Al-Shabab militants which are underway in that area so as to prevent Al-shabab movements.
Tension is reported to be high in Baay and Kabool provinces as Al-Shabab militants are strongly present in the settlements in these areas.
The fighting came after Al-Shabab militants lifted the blockade it imposed on Baay and Bakool provinces. Trucks carrying food reached the provinces for the first time since 10 years.
