At least ten people died and 15 others were injured when the militant group al-Shabaab attacked more than five bases belonging to Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and African Union peacekeeping (AMISOM) forces in Mogadishu on Saturday night.
The insurgents launched hit-and-run attacks against the TFG and AMISOM bases in Dharkinley, Karan, Fagah, Gubta and Towfik within the Somali capital.
“After the fighting erupted mortars hit the village and killed six civilians, including four from one family,” said Shueyb Ali, a resident in Kahda village of Dharkinley district, adding that ten other people were injured and rushed to Madina hospital.
One of the TFG military officers who sought anonymity confirmed to Somalia Report that al-Shabaab fighters attacked most of their bases in the capital and killed two TFG soldiers in Dhakinley district.
“About 11:00pm (8:00GMT), the insurgents attacked seven TFG and AMISOM bases in Mogadishu and killed two soldiers,” he said. “Also the national forces killed two fighters from al-Shabaab.”
A pro-al-Shabaab radio station in Mogadishu reported that the militia attacked police stations in West Karan and Yaqshid districts, killing 15 soldiers from TFG and AMISOM. However, Somalia Report could not independently confirm the claims.
Meanwhile, loud blasts rang out in the TFG police bases in Hamarweyne, Waberi, Dharkinlley and one of the leading hotels in Mogadishu, Hotel Madina.
“The militias threw hand-held bombs on Dharkinlley police station. I saw with my own eyes some government soldiers who were seriously injured from the attack,” said an eye witness. “After the attack, TFG forces fired at the area and injured two civilians,” she said.
The head commander of central Mogadishu police forces, Ali Hersi Barre Gaab, confirmed to the local media that al-Shabaab fighters had attacked Hotel Madina using bombs, but said no casualties were reported.
Meanwhile, the security forces foiled an attempted suicide attack by the al-Shabaab insurgent group. The security team seized a small vehicle with heavy explosive devices at KM4 in Mogadishu on Saturday night.
The head of Banadir region security, Kalif Ahmed, told Somalia Report that the militia attempted to attack TFG top officials who frequently used the road.
“The locals informed us that the anti-peace groups want to create insecurity in the capital. We carried out the operation and captured the car,” he said. Since the al-Shabaab insurgents announced their withdrawals from Mogadishu early this month, the militia have launched hit-and-run attacks using roadside bombs, suicide attacks and assassinations targeted at the supporters and members of TFG.