MAJABTO, Somalia — In a tragic irony of war, two Al-Shabaab militants perished when an improvised explosive device (IED) they were setting up detonated prematurely in Majabto, a government-controlled town in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region, local authorities confirmed on Saturday.
The incident, which occurred near a strategic road, was part of what appears to be an ongoing pattern of attacks by Al-Shabaab militants against infrastructure and security forces in the region. The militants were traveling on a Fekon motorcycle, a common conveyance for such operations due to its accessibility and speed.
A statement released by the government media after the blast described the death of the militants as divine justice, highlighting their intent to disrupt civilian life and target government forces. “The militants, aiming to attack a vital transport link, were instead victims of their own device,” the statement emphasized, reflecting the government’s narrative on the dangers posed by such groups.
Major Farah Hirsi Abdulle, from the 26th Battalion, confirmed the identities of the deceased, indicating a known operation against Al-Shabaab in the area. “This incident serves as a reminder of the perilous nature of their activities, not only to themselves but to the innocent civilians they often endanger,” Major Abdulle remarked.
The Lower Shabelle region, with its proximity to Mogadishu, has become a battleground where Al-Shabaab frequently employs guerrilla tactics, including
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