KISMAYO — A fierce dawn battle erupted on Wednesday in the Lower Juba region as Al-Shabaab militants launched a major assault on a security base in the small island town of Kudhaa.
Residents reported that the attack began with a suicide car bomb followed by a heavy infantry assault on bases held by Jubaland regional forces. Kudhaa is a strategic coastal location situated approximately 60 to 100 kilometers south of the key port city of Kismayo.
Conflicting Accounts
Details regarding the outcome of the battle remain contested, with conflicting narratives emerging from both sides:
-
Jubaland Officials:
Security officials from the regional administration confirmed the attack but stated that their forces successfully repelled the assault, preventing the militants from breaching the base. -
Al-Shabaab Claims:
The militant group issued a statement asserting they had taken full control of the town and the military base. Their media outlets claimed to have killed 113 Jubaland soldiers, wounded 43, and taken 16 prisoners. The group also released images purporting to show the seized base and detainees, though these claims could not be independently verified.
Local sources indicate the situation in the area remains tense as government troops and attackers engaged in direct confrontations for several hours.
Escalation of Violence
The assault on Kudhaa marks a significant escalation in militant activity against Somali security forces this week.
In a separate incident, Al-Shabaab targeted Somali National Army (SNA) bases near the coastal town of Warsheikh, located northeast of Mogadishu. The group claimed to have overrun four army bases in that area, seizing military vehicles and a cache of weapons.
This wave of attacks underscores the persistent security challenges facing southern Somalia as the federal and regional governments continue their efforts to dislodge the insurgents from their remaining strongholds.
