By Horn Africa News
MOGADISHU – Fierce fighting broke out late Sunday night after Al-Shabaab militants launched a heavy assault on a military base jointly operated by Somali federal forces and South West State troops in the village of Barujeed, located on the outskirts of Baidoa, the regional capital of Bay.
According to initial reports, the assault began with a barrage of mortar shells before escalating into intense close-range combat between the militants and government forces stationed in the area.
Local sources told Somali media that the battle lasted several hours, with both sides deploying heavy and light weaponry. However, the exact number of casualties remains unclear, as authorities have yet to release official figures.
Barujeed is considered a strategic location that plays a critical role in safeguarding the security of Baidoa, which also serves as the interim capital of South West State.
Military officials confirmed that government and regional troops successfully repelled the assault, thwarting Al-Shabaab’s attempt to seize control of the village.
This latest incident is part of a pattern of repeated attacks by Al-Shabaab on Barujeed, where the group has often combined suicide bombings with direct assaults in an effort to capture the settlement.
Despite numerous attempts, the militants have so far failed to achieve their objective.
