iFreePress Bringing News on Time Every Time It is reported that Al-Shabab militants have vowed to step up attacks on government bases and African peacekeeping forces in Mogadishu during the holy month of Ramadan.
Al Shabaab spokesman Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab said the militants killed 15 African and Somali troops in the southern Gedo region.
“The courageous actions of AMISOM and the Somali security forces today have not only prevented loss of innocent lives but also demonstrated once again the effectiveness of joint operations between the two in ensuring security of the Somali people”, said a statement issued in Nairobi on Thursday.
Though al-Shabaab was pushed out of key towns in South and Central Somalia, the group has been able to hit high-profile targets in Mogadishu’s heavily fortified areas, including the national courts, the UN compound, the Turkish embassy, and popular gathering places.
The Al Shabaab have since stepped up their operations in Kenya, dealing a blow to plans for the troops to serve as a buffer and protect the long and porous border.
“During the attack, there was no meeting going on in the hall”.
Security forces in Somalia halted an attack Thursday by al-Shabab militants targeting a political conference in the central town of Adado.
A local leader said there was brief fight but the gunmen were killed before entering. Police and other officials said the vehicle exploded just outside the gate after the soldiers spotted it and fired at it. Torn apart by years of fighting against Islamists and between clans, Somalia wants to set up a federal system.
