Somalia: Attack on military base in Barire September 29

Event

Al-Shabaab militants reportedly attacked a military base near Barire, located 50 km (30 mi) west of the capital Mogadishu, early on Friday, September 29. The assailants used guns and car bombs to take control of the base and the nearby town. According to a Somali military officer, at least 15 soldiers were killed in the attack, while Al-Shabaab puts the death toll at 21.

Somali and AMISOM troops had previously retaken control of Barire from Al-Shabaab in August.

Context

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

Advice

Individuals present in Somalia are advised to avoid the affected area and to monitor developments to the situation.

Due to the high threat of terrorism, individuals present throughout the country are advised to avoid government and institutional buildings as well as political events due to Al-Shabaab's tendency to target political figures and security forces. Because of extremely poor security conditions, travel should only be considered with appropriate security precautions in place.