At least six soldiers, including an officer, were killed in a roadside bomb explosion planted by the extremist group Al-Shabaab in southern Somalia, according to police and local officials on Saturday.
The explosion occurred during a patrol near the town of Galguduud, approximately 30 kilometers from the city of Baidoa in southwestern Somalia.
Hassan Mohamed, an officer in Baidoa, confirmed that “six army personnel, including Colonel Mohamed Diriye, were killed instantly.” He added that several others were injured, although he did not specify the number.
Al-Shabaab, an extremist group affiliated with Al-Qaeda, claimed responsibility for the attack.
Last week, the Somali government announced the deaths of five soldiers in a clash that resulted in the killing of around 50 terrorists in Seldir, north of Mogadishu.
Al-Shabaab, which translates to “The Youth” in Arabic, has been a significant insurgent group in Somalia since its formation in 2006.
The group aims to overthrow the Somali government and establish an Islamic state governed by their interpretation of Sharia law.
They have carried out numerous attacks within Somalia and across East Africa, targeting government officials, military forces, and civilians.
Somalia has faced decades of conflict and instability, primarily due to civil war, insurgency, and terrorism.
Despite international efforts to stabilize the region, including support from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and various international partners, Al-Shabaab continues to pose a severe threat to peace and security.
These attacks have not only caused significant casualties but have also hampered efforts to rebuild and develop the war-torn nation.
