A series of Ethiopian military convoys escorting local Somali officials came under attack overnight in Somalia’s Bay province, sources confirm.
Sources that spoke with Halgan Media on condition of anonymity reveal Ethiopian troops escorting Somali officials departed Qansaxdheere district and where en route to the nearby district of Bardaale. The decision to travel at night was made to avoid being detected by insurgents while traveling on such a dangerous road.
Shortly afterwards the Ethiopian military personnel escorting the Somali officials encountered a roadside bomb at the locality known as “Buulo Fuur”. The blast was immediately followed by an ambush as Al Shabaab militants layed siege and pinned down the Ethiopian troops.
The Ethiopian troops attempted to repel the ambush, however where subdued by insurgents armed with small arms fire and RPG’s according to sources.
Once the smoke cleared, the militants fled back into the bushes and disappeared into the night. At least one military convoy was engulfed in flames. The bodies of 17 individuals wearing ENDF fatigue where spotted on the dirt road in Buulo Fuur.
The faith of the Somali officials that where in the midst of being escorted by the Ethiopian forces remains unknown. However it’s been revealed that the District Commisioner of Bardaale, Maxamed Isxaaq Caracase was among those being escorted and narrowly survived the blast and ambush.
Photo : Maxamed Isxaaq Caracase.
The site where the blast and subsequent ambush took place dubbed Buulo Fuur is situated on the volatile road linking the district of Qansaxdheere and the town of Kurtun. Surpassing this dangerous stretch of road is crucial in order to reach the district of Bardaale.
Ethiopian troops routinely come under attack on this volatile road. It was just a week ago when three Ethiopian soldiers and there Somali guide where killed on this same road.
Thus far the Al Qaeda affiliated Militant group Al Shabaab have not released a statement in relation to last nights developments. On the other end, the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) have remained tight lipped over the incident as there casualties mount in occupied southern Somalia.
Halgan Media Service Desk
Contact us : info@halganmedia.net
