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Hilowle Gaab attack

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Hilowle Gaab attack
Part of Somali Civil War (2009–present)
DateJanuary 6, 2023
Location
Result al-Shabaab tactical victory
Somali strategic victory
Belligerents
Somalia
Ma'awisley
al-Shabaab
Casualties and losses
7+ killed and injured (per Somalia)
31 killed (per al-Shabaab)
Unknown

On January 6, 2023, al-Shabaab militants attacked the town of Hilowle Gaab, which had recently been recaptured by Somali forces. Over 20 people were killed in the attack, including several Somali commanders.

Prelude

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Somali forces launched an offensive against al-Shabaab in late 2022, with the aid of the Ma'awisley militia.[1] The offensive captured several key towns and villages in Hirshabelle State, including Hilowle Gaab, which had been under al-Shabaab control for years prior.[1] In late 2022, the Somali military captured Runirgod, the last major al-Shabaab stronghold in the region.[1] That same week, Hilowle Gaab was captured.[2] A day prior to the attack on Hilowle Gaab, al-Shabaab attacked the city of Mahas, killing over 35 people.[3]

Attack

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The attack began at 5 am, when civilians were beginning their morning prayers. A Ma'awisley spokesperson stated that three car bombs were set off by the militants, and a three hour long battle ensued between Somali forces and Ma'awisley fighters against al-Shabaab.[2][4] Five Somali commanders were killed in the attack, along with several Ma'awisley fighters and civilians. Many other Somali soldiers were wounded.[4] Somali government and military officials claimed to have pushed al-Shabaab back into the forests near Hilowle Gaab after the attack.[4]

Aftermath

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al-Shabaab claimed to have killed 31 Somali and Ma'awisley soldiers in the attack, along with capturing a base and scores of equipment.[5] The Somali government declined to give a number of killed or injured on either side, although seven people were confirmed dead.[6][1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "7 Somali Troops Killed in Attack on Army Camp". Voice of America. 2023-01-06. Retrieved 2023-11-03.
  2. ^ a b "Armed fighters kill six during village raid in Somalia". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2023-11-03.
  3. ^ "Al-Shabaab terror attack kills 7 in Somali village: Police". www.aa.com.tr. Retrieved 2023-11-03.
  4. ^ a b c "Former Wadajir governor: SNA forces repelled Al Shabaab attack on Hilowle Gaab". www.hiiraan.com. Retrieved 2023-11-03.
  5. ^ "Somalia militants kill six in raid on village they recently lost". Reuters. 2023-01-06. Retrieved 2023-11-03.
  6. ^ admin (2023-01-07). "SNA commanders among soldiers killed in militant attack". Somaliland Standard. Retrieved 2023-11-03.