A deadly blast targeted government forces in the Beled Hawo (also Beledxaawo, Buuloxaawo) district of the Gedo region on Saturday afternoon, resulting in casualties and injuries. The terrorist group al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack.
Beled Hawo, Gedo region, Jubaland, SOMALIA.
The explosion targeted government forces travelling on the road. Tragically, the blast claimed the lives of two soldiers, while several others got injured. The vehicle they were in sustained significant damage due to the force of the explosion when it drove over the mine. The Deputy Governor of Gedo, Mohamed Huseen Isaaq ‘Alqaadi’, confirmed the incident. He stated that the powerful explosion occurred near commercial stores at the city’s entrance.
Beled Hawo is a border town in Somalia’s Jubaland state and a gateway to Kenya and Ethiopia. The town is also the business centre of the Gedo region.
Ammunition and IED material for Beled Hawo
On 1 October, security forces in Dolow successfully intercepted a public vehicle carrying ammunition and improvised explosive device (IED) material from Mogadishu to Beled Hawo. Upon inspection, the officers discovered the car was transporting bullets for PK machine guns, apart from the IED material. The driver and conductor of the vehicle were apprehended for further investigation.
The Commander of the Dolow Police Station told VOA that officers seized the vehicle at a security checkpoint at the entrance to Dolow. “We discovered four boxes of PKM bullets, a 20-litre container with a mixture of chemicals, including diluent and jet fuel, two 10-litre containers with similar chemicals, and three jackets for carrying BKM guns.”
Somalia’s Ministry of Defense was the first to inform about the seizure. It stated, “This achievement is a testament to the unity of government agencies and the resolute Somali people. Together, we’re defeating the Khawarij and securing our nation.” Khawarij is a derogative term the Somali government officials often use when referring to al-Shabaab.
