terrorism
At least twelve dead in attack by Islamists in Somalia
The Islamist terrorist group Al-Shabaab has been carrying out repeated attacks in Somalia for years. photo
© Farah Abdi Warsameh/AP/dpa
Bloody Ramadan in Somalia: During the Islamic month of fasting, the terrorist militia Al-Shabaab has increased its attacks in the country in the Horn of Africa. Now there were numerous deaths not far from Mogadishu.
In an attack by the Islamist terrorist militia Al-Shabaab on the city of Balad Somalia at least twelve people have been killed. A police spokesman said the Islamists had attacked the city from several sides.
Suicide bombings at two security checkpoints were followed by an attack by al-Shabaab militants, the local police chief said. After fierce fighting, the Islamists were prevented from taking over the city. It was said that civilians were also among the victims. The terrorist militia itself broadcast on its radio station that it had killed dozens of security forces.
Balad is considered a strategically important city because it is on the route of goods transport to the Somali capital Mogadishu, 36 kilometers away.
Parallels to previous years
As in previous years, Al-Shabaab has intensified its attacks during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. At the end of March, scores of people were killed in two attacks in central Somalia after a hotel in the immediate vicinity of the presidential palace in Mogadishu was attacked during the traditional breaking of the fast in the first days of Ramadan.
The terrorist militia had tried to regain ground in Mogadishu in recent weeks after it had been pushed back in recent years and the residents of the capital had a relatively stable life. The terrorist group has been carrying out repeated attacks in the country of 18 million people in the Horn of Africa for years.