Hiiraan Online
Saturday, August 06, 2016
FILE PHOTO
Mogadishu (HOL) - Al Shabaab troops have launched mortar shells at densely populated residential areas in Baidoa, a town 250 km west of the capital Mogadishu, according to a post on AMISOMs official twitter handle.
"Suspected #AlShabaab militants fired mortar shells at densely populated civilian residential areas in Baidoa town this morning. #Somalia"
The AU peacekeeping force said that one round hit a hospital this morning and civilian casualties are still unknown. AMISOM and Somali troops are on the scene investigating.
" One round of the mortars hit a hospital. Civilian casualties are unknown but expected. #AMISOM & #SNSF forces are assessing the situation."
In recent months Al Shabaab has staged attacks against civilian, government and military targets throughout Somalia. Last month suicide bombers used vehicles packed with explosives to attack an AMISOM base.
In June, both the Naso-Hablod and Ambassador hotel in Mogadishu were attacked by the extremist group in similar suicide car bomb attacks that led to armed stand offs between security forces and militants. The combined death toll of both attacks is estimated to be at least 32.
This attack comes on the heels of National Leaders Forum's (NLF) announcement to hold presidential elections in November.
Many fear that Al Shabaab attacks, which have been more frequent in recent months could continue as plans for elections are finalized.