Shabaab, al Qaeda’s branch in East Africa, has claimed a massive improvised explosive device (IED) attack on Somali soldiers near Galgala in the northern semi-autonomous region of Puntland. The blast left at least eight soldiers dead and many others wounded. Shabaab claimed credit for the ambush on its Radio al Andalus website.
Galgala has long been within Shabaab’s areas of operations. Since 2015, the region has also seen activity from Islamic State-loyal militants led by a former Shabaab commander, Abdulqadir Mumin. The wider Bari region has seen the town of Qandala taken over and a suicide assault on a popular hotel in Bosaso by the Islamic State. While military operations are underway against the Islamic State and Shabaab in the Bari region of Puntland, the Islamic State militants briefly seized another village last week before being forced to retreat.
Additionally, Shabaab claimed targeting the Baledogle Airfield in the Lower Shabelle region via its Shahada News Telegram channel. The statement reported that the jihadists fired 35 mortars at the base, which allegedly landed inside. The airfield is used as a base for the Somali military, African Union forces, and reportedly American troops. Shabaab was quick to include this information in its statement by saying it specifically targeted Americans inside the base.
However, no Somali officials, the African Union, or any US officials have commented on any attack or shelling on the base. Shabaab often claims targeting American military forces in Somalia, but these attacks often go without any comment from US officials. This will likely increase as the US military has been granted approval by President Donald Trump to target Shabaab with “additional precision fires.”
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1 Comment
It is noticeable that Al Shabaab claimed on its Radio Andalus this IED attack in Puntland . For several years Al Shabaab in Puntland is weak and isolated, 200/300 men. Moreover two years ago when its chief Said Atom surrendered, and Sheik Mumin pledge allegiance to ISIS.
This claiming happened at the time Puntland government had just executed 5 Al Shabaab’s members who last year committed murders.
In Puntland killing is the main Al Shabaab’s modus operandi. Does it means that Al Shabaab in Puntland is strengthening its Forces?
Al Shabaab and ISIS are operating in the same sector: They are located in Galgala Mountains and are operating also in Bossasso. But at the moment both organizations have different modus operandi: Al Shabbab is committing murders as IS is capturing little towns. ISIS is claiming its actions, Al Shabaab in Puntland not.
Is there any agreement or any well understanding between both organizations? n November 30th Al Shabaab had already claimed a similar IED attack in Galgala mountains against Puntland Forces which were heading to Qandala port to retake it to IS. Coincidence or Cooperation?