Al-Shabaab militants launched a mortar attack on a Somali National Army (SNA) base in Bardhere district, Gedo region, on Tuesday, triggering heavy gunfire and raising fears of a broader confrontation in the area.
According to local sources, the attack targeted the Barahow military camp, a key Federal Government security installation in the district. Residents reported hearing several mortar rounds strike near the base before intense gunfire erupted from the surrounding area.
The situation remains tense, with reports indicating that fighting broke out around the camp following the initial bombardment.
However, details remain limited as communications in Bardhere were reportedly disrupted during the attack, making it difficult to independently verify the scale of the fighting or obtain immediate information on casualties.
Preliminary reports suggest that Al-Shabaab initiated the assault with mortar shells aimed at the military facility before clashes erupted between government troops and the attackers.
It remains unclear whether the militants attempted to breach the base or whether the attack was limited to indirect fire and subsequent exchanges of gunfire.
The Baraxow camp is one of the main positions used by Federal Government forces in Bardhere, a strategically important district in southern Somalia that has frequently been targeted by Al-Shabaab due to its military significance.
Al-Shabaab has repeatedly employed similar tactics in attacks against government installations across the country, often beginning with mortar fire or explosive attacks before launching direct assaults on military positions.
As of now, authorities have not released official information regarding casualties or damage caused by the attack.
It is also unclear whether government forces have launched follow-up operations against the militants or if clashes are still ongoing in areas surrounding the base.
Residents expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation, noting that the sounds of mortar explosions and heavy gunfire could be heard across parts of the town.
Many civilians have reportedly remained indoors or moved away from areas close to the fighting as a precaution.
Security experts warn that mortar attacks pose a significant threat to civilians because projectiles can land outside their intended targets, causing casualties and damage in residential areas.
Such attacks often create fear among local communities and disrupt daily life even when military installations are the primary targets.
The latest attack underscores the continuing security challenges facing Somali government forces in Gedo region, where Al-Shabaab remains capable of carrying out coordinated attacks despite ongoing military operations against the group.
Authorities are expected to provide further details once communication networks are restored and assessments of the situation are completed.
For now, residents remain on high alert as uncertainty continues over the scale and outcome of the attack.