MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – Early Saturday morning, Al-Shabaab militants launched a raid on a base utilized by the Somali intelligence agency in Balcad town, as reported by security sources.
The militants targeted three checkpoints and a security office within the town before focusing their attack on the base used by the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA).
A security official informed Kaab TV that the base housed officers responsible for coordinating drone operations for the Turkish military as part of counter-terrorism efforts.
Tragically, at least 13 soldiers lost their lives during the assault, and Al-Shabaab briefly took control of Balcad town, located approximately 30 kilometers north of Mogadishu, before eventually retreating, according to the residents.
In a statement, Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that they targeted the base with explosives followed by a fierce engagement with soldiers.
Despite initial reports of Al-Shabaab fighters infiltrating the station and capturing “most” of the town’s neighborhoods, local sources now indicate that the militants are in retreat.
Eyewitnesses informed Kaab TV that both the Somali army and local clan militia fled the town during the assault.
This attack comes as part of an escalation in Al-Shabaab’s activities, particularly targeting suburbs of the capital.
In recent months, the group has carried out deadly assaults, including attacks on the Busley base housing Somali forces, Balcad, and surrounding villages, as well as Baqdaad on the outskirts of Mogadishu.
On March 14, Al-Shabaab attacked the SYL Hotel in the city center, resulting in the deaths of at least 31 people and injuring 46 others.