Mogadishu, Somalia – Loud explosions and large fireballs were reported late Saturday night in the Basra area and nearby farmlands between Afgoye and Balcad, sparking fears of renewed conflict in the region.
While the Somali government has yet to issue an official statement, multiple residents in the area suggest the blasts may have resulted from airstrikes targeting Al-Shabaab militants.
Eyewitnesses described intense detonations and visible flames lighting up the sky, indicating a potentially large-scale operation.
“We heard multiple explosions and saw fireballs in the distance. We believe it was an airstrike, but no one knows for sure,” said a resident of Afgoye.
The Basra region, located northwest of Mogadishu, is known to be a transit and hideout zone for Al-Shabaab fighters, who frequently use the surrounding farmlands for cover.
Security sources and international partners have not commented on the incident, leaving questions about who carried out the strikes and the extent of the damage.
This comes amid increased military operations by Somali forces and allied partners aimed at weakening the group’s hold in central and southern Somalia.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.