(09-04-23) BAIDAO – Ethiopian military forces engaged in a fierce battle with Al-Shabaab militants on Sunday in parts of the Bay region of South West State of Somalia, following an attack by the extremist group on an Ethiopian army base in the Dinsoor district. Both sides exchanged heavy gunfire and artillery, resulting in an intense confrontation that was felt throughout the district and its surroundings.
Local sources reported the widespread sound of gunshots and heavy weapons as the soldiers at the base fought back against the attackers. The Ethiopian forces utilized artillery to defend their position, contributing to the intense fighting that took place.
The official casualty count remains unclear, with no statements released by either the Ethiopian army or Al-Shabaab regarding the outcome of the battle. However, the situation is now reported to be stable, with Ethiopian forces carrying out operations to locate and apprehend the attackers.
Ethiopian troops stationed in Somalia are actively engaged in the ongoing struggle against Al-Shabaab, which is concentrated in south and central Somalia The Ethiopian forces form part of the coalition of frontline states working to eradicate the extremist group from the region in Phase 2 of the anti-Al-Shabaab campaign.
In recent months, Al-Shabaab has escalated its attacks on military bases across the nation in response to the mounting successes the federal government and local communities achieved in their fight against the group. This latest clash in Dinsoor highlights the ongoing volatility and danger posed by Al-Shabaab in the region and the determination of Ethiopian forces and their allies to counteract the threat.
