Somalia:Mortar Attack on Baidoa Causes Civilian Casualties and Destruction

Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the casualties caused by a number of mortars reportedly fired by Al-Shabaab fighters on parts of Baidoa, the interim capital of Somalia’s South West State, last night.

The mortars, which struck during the night, landed in residential neighborhoods, hitting areas where civilians live according to the local reports

Reports indicate that there were civilian casualties, including deaths and injuries, after the shells landed directly on their homes.
Significant damage was also reportedly inflicted on civilian houses in the city, and security forces in Baidoa are currently investigating the incident.

This morning, residents gathered at the targeted locations to assist the victims, and footage from the scene shows the heavy impact of the shelling.

So far, authorities from South West State have not issued an official statement regarding the mortar attack.

The assault follows a recent major battle in the Burjeed area, on the outskirts of Baidoa, where Al-Shabaab suffered heavy losses. The bodies of killed militants were later transported into Baidoa and publicly displayed at the city’s square, where hundreds of residents gathered to witness.

Following these events, tensions have been high across parts of the Bay and Bakool regions, where Al-Shabaab members are still present.

Security agencies indicated the the South West State is now preparing for a major offensive aimed at liberating territories and breaking the sieges imposed by the militants.

Updates to follow

Mustaqbal