Samatalis Haille, MA LPCC

#UPDATE: Dozens of Somali Troops Reportedly Killed in Al-Shabaab Ambush as Government Says 75 Militants Killed Further details have emerged about Monday's deadly fighting between Somali government forces and Al-Shabaab militants in the #Qardho area of #Bay region, with security and medical sources reporting heavy casualties and significant losses of military equipment. The ambush targeted soldiers from the 64th Battalion, 1st Brigade, 12 April Division, who were travelling towards #Buurhakaba town after departing #Jameeco village. Security sources reported that dozens of government soldiers were killed, with some estimates putting the death toll at 50, although the figures remain independently unverified. The militants reportedly used roadside explosives and vehicle-borne bombs. Claims that explosive-laden drones were also deployed during the assault have not been independently confirmed. Sources said at least four military vehicles, including Turkish-made Kirpi armoured vehicles, were captured, while five other military vehicles and an ambulance were destroyed. Residents reported that the captured vehicles were subsequently targeted in an airstrike near Buurhakaba on Tuesday, reportedly killing approximately 20 fighters. #Somalia's Defence Ministry said government forces killed nearly 75 Al-Shabaab militants and wounded 56 others. The ministry acknowledged damage to military vehicles but did not disclose government casualty figures. Separately, Somalia's National Security Office denied allegations that Turkish F-16 fighter jets or armed drones had mistakenly struck Somali National Army positions in Leego on October 26. The conflicting casualty figures and accounts of the fighting could not be independently verified. Sources: Military sources, medical personnel, eyewitnesses, Somalia’s Ministry of Defence, and the National Security Office.

#UPDATE: Three Civilians Killed, Seven Seriously Injured in Al-Shabaab Mortar Attack in Somalia's Puntland State At least three civilians were killed and seven others seriously wounded after Al-Shabaab militants reportedly fired mortar shells into Galgala, a settlement near Bosaso city in Somalia's northeastern Puntland state, according to multiple sources. The fatalities were identified as Naiimo Ahmed Jama, Ikraan Jama Said and Jama Diib Gurhan. Seven other civilians sustained serious injuries in the attack, raising concerns over renewed militant activity in the area. Hassan Muse, commander of the 44th Unit of Puntland's Darawish Forces stationed in Galgala, confirmed the casualties and provided details of the incident. Galgala, a mountainous area in the Bari region historically affected by militant activity, had experienced a period of relative calm before the latest attack. The incident has renewed concerns about security in the area, where authorities have been conducting military operations against armed militant groups in recent years.