New attack by Al-Shabaab Islamists in central Somalia
Members of a Shebab militia in Somalia (illustrative image).
AFP / Mr. Dahir
Text by: RFI Follow
1 min
The attack took place overnight from Friday to Saturday, and killed at least 19 civilians, according to the latest report.
Two weeks ago, it was a hotel in the capital, Mogadishu, which had been targeted by the Islamists.
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The attackers stopped minibuses and trucks traveling in both directions on a road that connects the towns of Beledweyne and Maxaas.
At least eight vehicles, which the Shebabs gathered and set on fire, after killing their passengers.
A clan chief claims that several people were also abducted.
In their message of demand, the shebabs explain that they attacked fighters who helped government forces to fight them.
By the end of August, security forces and local fighters had regained control of several villages in this region of Somalia.
The Somali president on Saturday evening condemned despicable acts on innocent civilians.
Hassan Cheikh Mohamoud, who has faced a resurgence of Shebab activity since his election last May, promises that the government will spare no effort in the fight against terrorism.
Two weeks ago, a large hotel in the capital, Mogadishu, was targeted.
The assault, which lasted around 30 hours, left at least 21 dead and 117 injured.
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Shebabs
Somalia