Al-Shabaab Militants Stage Assault on Ethiopian Troops in Somalia

WAJID, Somalia: Ethiopian soldiers stationed in Somalia’s Bakool province faced an onslaught by al-Shabaab fighters late Friday, igniting an intense battle in Wajid district, insiders disclosed. The incursion against the Ethiopian base sparked a robust counter-attack, with both factions locked in fierce combat.

Nearby residents recounted a barrage of booms and gunfire, hinting at serious conflict escalation. Ethiopian troops retaliated with a barrage of mortars aimed at al-Shabaab positions scattered around Wajid.

The specifics concerning human casualties are slim, as neither the Ethiopian forces nor regional leaders have disclosed any official casualty figures or damages. This information void has stirred unease among the locals.

Come Saturday, Ethiopian forces enhanced their footing in Wajid, carrying out thorough sweeps to secure the vicinity amidst threats of further al-Shabaab aggression. This move underscores Ethiopia’s continued military engagement in Somalia’s fight against Islamist rebels.

Last month, Wajid witnessed large rallies backing Ethiopia after Somalia declared plans to expel Ethiopian troops by December 2024, following Addis Ababa’s maritime pact with North Western State of Somalia. Locals claim the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) is a trusty ally and should retain its presence in Bakool.

Al-Shabaab, a militant group well-entrenched in Somalia, boasted via a brief communiqué that they inflicted losses on Ethiopian units, capturing military gear in the process. Their statement, however, lacked detailed evidence.

The clash in Wajid highlights Somalia’s ongoing security woes, a nation grappling with instability where al-Shabaab remains a formidable disruptor of tranquility. This event is part of the ceaseless narrative of strife spotlighting the precariousness of Bakool’s security landscape.

AXADLETM