Somalia’s al-Shabab says 30 AU soldiers killed in explosion

[Deeq A.]

MOGADISHU (Caasimada Online)—The Islamist group al-Shabaab says it has carried out bomb attack on African Union soldiers’ personnel carrier in central Somalia.

The Al Qaeda linked group has claimed to have killed at least 30 Ethiopian soldiers with African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia, following roadside bomb explosion.

The explosion went off on Sunday near Baladweyne town, some 335km north of Somali capital Mogadishu.

“We have killed 30 Ethiopian soldiers in landmine explosion, while travelling through El-Gel area near Baladweyne town”, the group said.

There was no immediate comment from African Union mission over the claims.

The group has been driven out of many urban areas since 2011, however it still controls territory in rural areas and carries out gun attacks and bombings on military and civilian targets.

The African Union has a combined contribution of roughly 22,000 personnel to fight against the Al-Qaeda inspired group in Somalia.

Somali has been without a central authority since the overthrow of the late ruler Mohamed Siyad Barre in 1991 when the country plunged into chaos and lawlessness.

Caasimada Online

Mogadishu News Desk

Caasimada@live.com