31 Dec 2018 | 02:33 AM UTC
Somalia: Al-Shabaab militants kill eight soldiers in Goof Gaduud Dec. 29
Al-Shabaab militants kill at least eight soldiers in Goof Gaduud area (Bay region) December 29; similar attacks possible in the area over the coming weeks
Event
Al-Shabaab militants killed at least eight soldiers in an attack on an army base in the Goof Gaduud area (Bay region), some 30 km (19 mi) northwest of Baidoa, on Saturday, December 29. Similar Al-Shabaab attacks targeting military installations are possible in the area over the near term.
Context
Al-Shabaab continues to control large zones in the south and center of the country and attacks from the group are frequent across Somalia, including in 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
Individuals in Somalia are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the area of the attack, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.
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.
