Somalia: Al-Shabaab attacks army base in Kismayo June 9

Event

Al-Shabaab militants carried out a suicide car bomb attack at a Somali National Army (SNA) base located outside the town of Kismayo (Lower Juba region) on Saturday night, June 9. According to a military spokesperson, seven soldiers were injured, although Al-Shabaab claims that 40 were killed. The assault took place at the same outpost where a US soldier was killed in an Al-Shabaab mortar attack on June 8. Additional Al-Shabaab attacks are possible in the province and elsewhere in Somalia in the coming weeks.

Context

Al-Shabaab continues to control large zones in the south and center of Somalia and attacks from the group are frequent across the country, including in the capital Mogadishu. The group often targets government officials and military infrastructure in a bid to topple the Western- and UN-backed government and impose its own strict interpretation of Islam in Somalia.

Advice

The security environment in Somalia remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas with proper security protocols in place, other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.