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3 Somalis Killed by IED, Shabab Attack Security Forces in Bosaso, Kenyann Fighter Jets Fly Over Jubaland

March 16, 2020

 

Al-Shabaab claims responsibility for an attack in Bosaso

Radio Shabelle, March 16, 2020

Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for an attack in the port city of Bosaso, which serves as the commercial hub of Somalia’s northeastern Puntland.

In a statement, Al-Shabaab said its fighters carried out mortar attacks and blasts in the city targeting state security personnel. At least one officer was killed in the assault.

Puntland has not released a statement regarding the attack.

Bosaso has been the scene of attacks in the past, some claimed by the ISIS-linked militants in the Bari region who faced several US airstrikes on their hideouts.

Tension as Kenyan fighter jets fly over Jubaland

Hiiran News, Monday March 16, 2020

Kenya Air Force fighter jets patrolling the border with Somalia on Saturday flew over the airspace in Jubaland after clashes between rival forces spilled into Mandera Town.

Ads By Google The jets overflew Bula Hawo borderlands and south of the frontier before retreating. It came amid tension after troops from Somalia National Army and the Jubaland clashed.

Residents said the jets caused a scare. Kenyan troops have been in Somalia since 2011, when they crossed over in pursuit of terrorists blamed for attacks.
This came as the EU said the latest incidents on the Kenya-Somalia border and the recent build-up of tension in Gedo region had created instability and resulted in casualties and major displacement of civilians.

“This has had a severe humanitarian impact, notably on vulnerable women and children,” a High Representative of the European Union statement said yesterday.

“The fighting in Galmudug at the end of February has also fuelled tension. Overall, these situations are extremely serious. Furthermore, they divert assets and attention away from military operations against al-Shabaab in Lower and Middle Shabelle and jeopardise hard won stability in Somalia,” the statement said.
 It added that the developments would hurt Somalia’s relationship with its neighbours and partners and urged that urgent steps be taken to deescalate.

Three people killed after ambulance runs over IED in Garissa 22 Shares Share Tweet Email Share

Hiiran, Monday March 16, 2020

Three people were on Sunday killed when an ambulance they were riding in ran over an Improvised Explosive Devise on the Sangailu-Hulugho road, Garissa County.

Among those killed was a critically ill woman and the ambulance driver. She was being driven to the Garissa Provincial Hospital when the incident happened.

After attacking the ambulance at Koran-Hindi, Galmagala area of Hulugho in Lower Garissa at the border with Somalia, the terrorists followed with a gun attack.

Ads By Google North Eastern regional Commissioner Nicodemus Ndalana said the gunmen escaped soon after.

“We have deployed more personnel to pursue them. They will face justice,” he said.

Garissa Governor Ali Korane said he was saddened by the heinous attack that killed the three in the ambulance.

“Those killed include the driver and a patient. I condemn this heartless attack. Perpetrators of terror in all forms must be defeated,” he said.

The attack comes at a time when the government is fighting to contain the terrorists who have infiltrated the region. More than 20 people have been killed in similar incidents in two months.

On Friday, six militants were killed and one captured alive in the same area.

President Uhuru Kenyatta last month gave the North Eastern leaders 14 days to come up with an amicable solution on security challenges that have hurt education.

The President told the leaders the ongoing terror attacks are homegrown and must be addressed by residents.

According to some of those present, the President told the group security agents have sealed off the main Kenya-Somalia border and there would be no more al Shabaab terrorists coming into Kenya.

The leaders had discussed the current crises of removal of non-Somali teachers by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) from the region and agreed that some measures must be taken to improve the situation.

TSC removed all non-local teachers from Garissa, following incidents of attacks targeting them.

Todate, 42 teachers have been killed in separate attacks since 2014. 

https://www.hiiraan.com/

US airstrikes kill Al-Shabaab members in Somalia

Radio Shabelle, March 11, 2020

The US Africa Command (Africom) on Tuesday conducted an airstrike in coordination with the Somali troops that killed five Al-Shabaab fighters in Janale, southern Somalia, a day after another US airstrike killed four other militants in the same region.

“In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting Al-Shabaab terrorists in the vicinity of Janaale, Somalia on March 10,” Africom said in a statement.

“The command’s initial assessment concluded this airstrike killed five terrorists,” the statement added.

Africom, however, said they were investigating reports that the latest airstrike killed civilians.

“While we currently assess that the airstrike injured no civilians, we are aware of social media reports alleging civilian casualties resulting from this airstrike,” Africom said.

The US has ramped up airstrikes against Al-Shabaab, carrying out 26 strikes against the Al-Qaeda-linked militants since the year started.

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