Al Shabab Force Attack African Union Military Base In Somalia

Radical Islamist Shabab rebels launched an attack on Friday against a base of the African Union force in Somalia (Atmis), about 120 kilometres south-west of the capital Mogadishu, Atmis announced, without giving further details of any casualties.

Since 2007, the Shabab rebels, who are linked to al-Qaeda, have been fighting the internationally supported federal government. 

They were driven out of the country's major cities in 2011-2012 and are now securely established in huge rural areas. 

Suicide attacks are common in this impoverished and fragile Horn of Africa country.

"Atmis base in Bulo Marer was attacked by Al-Shabab on Friday morning." "Atmis forces are currently assessing the security situation," said the African Union force in Somalia in a statement, without providing any other details.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud, who takes office again in May 2022, has declared an "all-out war" against the Shebab.

This effort has resulted in the recovery of extensive regions in two states in the country's centre, Hirshabelle and Galmudug, with the backing of the African Union's force in Somalia and US air strikes.

In retribution, the Shabab have continued to carry out dreadful strikes, displaying their capacity to strike at the heart of Somali communities and military institutions.

Two vehicle bombs erupted in Mogadishu on October 29, 2022, killing 121 people and injuring 333, the bloodiest incident in five years in the country, which is also suffering from a record drought.

In a February report to the UN Security Council, Antonio Guterres stated that 2022 was the bloodiest year for civilians in Somalia since 2017, owing mostly to Shebab strikes.