Abdirizak Shino
Horseed Media
Two Soldiers Killed, Federal Lawmakers Injured in Laas Ga’amey Attack
In a brazen act of terror, the notorious extremist group al-Shabaab orchestrated a devastating suicide car bomb attack in Laas Ga’amey, Somalia. The attack targeted a gathering of high-ranking politicians, regional leaders, and local militia commanders who had convened to discuss and plan counterterrorism operations. While al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack, their casualty claims are under scrutiny.
The attack unfolded in the frontline village of Laas Ga’amey, nestled between Wisil and Ba’adweyne, within Somalia’s Galmudug State. Early friday morning, the nation was rocked by a massive explosion caused by a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (SVBIED), a grim reminder of the ongoing threat posed by al-Shabaab.
Among the casualties, two soldiers from the Galmudug Presidential Unit tragically lost their lives. Several others, including federal lawmakers Abdisalam Haji Dhabancad and Senator Abdi Qaybdid, sustained injuries in the explosion. Fortunately, their injuries are reported as non-life-threatening, offering a glimpse of hope amidst the devastation. President Ahmed Abdi Karie ‘Qoorqoor’ of Galmudug State narrowly escaped unharmed, underscoring the audacious nature of the attack.
The Somali National Army (SNA) has reported that their troops valiantly thwarted the attack by stopping and neutralizing the explosive-laden car. However, this heroic act came at a cost, with two soldiers paying the ultimate price in their dedication to protecting their nation.
General Mohamed Nur Ali Gadaar, the commander of the Galmudug Dervish army, confirmed the attack to VOA, providing insight into the grim aftermath. Soldiers from the Galmudug Presidential Unit were killed, and several others were injured in the explosion, highlighting the severe impact of the attack on security forces.
Al-Shabaab swiftly claimed responsibility for the attack, boasting about inflicting heavy casualties on government officials and soldiers. However, it is worth noting that the group has a history of exaggerating their battlefield claims, raising doubts about the accuracy of their statements.
