Insurgents from the Al-Aqaeda linked armed group Al Shabaab traveling in speed boats launched an assault on Somali government troops near the coastal city of Marka in the Lower Shabelle province.

Per local media, the government troops where on board two separate boats attempting to cross the water pass linking the settlements of Gandershe and Jilib-Marka, which is on the cusp of the coastal city of Marka when they come under attack.

The number of casualties, if any are not known at this time. The command overseeing the Somali armed forces has not addressed the latest Al Shabaab attack.

Al Shabaab’s decision to employ speed boats to carry out attacks on government forces is the first of its kind and has come as a surprise to many and further proves the widespread belief that the insurgents are strengthening in the field of warfare.

Halgan Media