Monthly Counter-Terrorism Intelligence Review for East Africa (Kenya & Somalia) Shabaab Al-Mujahideen in Period of June 1st – June 30th, 2024: Tracking and Monitoring Al-Shabaab’s Activity in East Africa
Executive Summary
The month of June 2024 has witnessed a significant increase in terrorist activities in both Kenya and Somalia, with Al-Shabaab being the primary perpetrator. The group’s operations have demonstrated both a sustained threat and a disturbing level of sophistication and coordination.
In Kenya, Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the killing of four non-Muslim Kenyans in Bogyar village, near Dadaab in Garissa County on June 11. This incident underscores the continued vulnerability of Kenya’s northeastern regions, where the militants frequently target local populations and security forces.
In Somalia, Al-Shabaab’s activities have been even more pronounced. On June 15, the militants ambushed and killed Lieutenant Colonel Mohamed Nur Mad-Dheere in the suburbs of Baidoa, destroying two armed vehicles. This followed a mortar attack on an Ethiopian military base at Baidoa airport on June 14, which resulted in the deaths of six Ethiopian soldiers. These incidents highlight the persistent insecurity in strategic locations like Baidoa.
Al-Shabaab’s tactics have varied widely, including ambushes, mortar attacks, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). On June 13, an IED targeted a police vehicle in Mogadishu’s Kaaraan district, causing several casualties. The use of IEDs remains a common tactic aimed at both military and civilian targets to instill fear and disrupt local governance and security operations.
The group has also targeted Ethiopian military convoys. On June 13, fighting was reported in Maguudo village, southeast of Baidoa, where Al-Shabaab fighters attacked an Ethiopian military convoy, damaging two armed vehicles. This pattern of attacking military convoys and bases indicates the group’s strategy of weakening both Somali and allied forces, such as those from Ethiopia, which are crucial for maintaining regional stability.
In a stark demonstration of their growing capabilities, Al-Shabaab released a propaganda video featuring hundreds of new recruits parading with seized Somali army weapons in southern Somalia. This showcases their sophisticated propaganda and training efforts, underscoring the persistent and evolving threat they pose in the region, challenging both local and international security efforts.
Preferred weapons of Al-Shabaab include firearms, mortars, and IEDs. The overrun of a military base in Ceel Dheer town, Galgaduud region on June 8, where over 50 government soldiers were killed, illustrates the militants’ capability and readiness to engage in large-scale assaults. They captured numerous armed vehicles, including those donated by Turkey, demonstrating their ability to seize and repurpose military hardware to bolster their operations.
Below are the terrorism events from June 1st to June 30th, indicating a sustained and multifaceted threat from Al-Shabaab across Somalia and into northeastern Kenya. Key regions such as Baidoa, Mogadishu, and the border areas near Dadaab remain highly vulnerable to terrorist activities. The variety of attack methods and the frequent targeting of military and police forces highlight the militants’ adaptability and ongoing challenge to regional security.
Somalia: ATMIS handed over Abdalle Birolle Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Jubaland State.
Terrorism Events: June 1st – June 30th
June 30, 2024: A Somali military officer and two of his guards were injured after a bomb explosion targeted their car in Mogadishu’s Kaxda district.
June 30, 2024: At least four civilians and three govt soldiers were killed in a vehicle-borne explosive suicide bombing targeting an ATMIS military camp near central Beledweyne.The attack occurred just two hours after ATMIS handed over the base to Somali forces. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility.
June 26, 2024: Heavy fighting was reported in Cali Candhoole in the Galgadud region. Somali Government forces say they have killed many militants, while Al-Shabaab claims it has killed many government soldiers.
June 24, 2024: Al-Shabāab al-Mujāhideen Terrorists group attempted to overrun El-Ram ASTU Camp in NER Kenya. Militants used RPG,PKM and AK 47 assault rifles in the coordinated attack. Threat was neutralized.
June 24, 2024: Two mini passenger buses traveling near Gololey village, close to Balcad town, were hit by a landmine claimed by Al-Shabaab, resulting in at least 5 civilian deaths and dozens of injuries.
June 23, 2024: Al-Shabaab armed assault on Ethiopian and Burundian forces military bases, killing many, in Dinsoor City, Bay State, and Mahaday, Central Shabelle, Somalia.
June 23, 2024: Al-Shabaab targets government forces with an improvised explosive device (IED), killing 2 and injuring 1, in Jalouli, Balad City, Mogadishu, Somalia.
June 22, 2024: Al-Shabaab raids government military gathering, killing two and seizing their weapons, in Masagaway District, Galgaduud Region, Central Somalia.
June 22, 2024: An IED explosion targeting a military vehicle was reported in the Suuqa Xoolaha neighborhood of Mogadishu’s Heliwaa district. According to sources, at least two civilians were injured in the incident.
June 21, 2024: Al-Shabaab ambushes government military patrol and barracks near the Kenyan border, in Kamboni, Badhaadhe District, Lower Juba, Somalia.
June 21, 2024: Al-Shabaab kills three and injures two Burundian forces with an improvised explosive device (IED), in Jalouli, Balad City, Mogadishu, Somalia.
June 20, 2024: An IED blast reported between Golooley and Balcad in the Middle Shabelle region, targeting Burundian soldiers under ATMIS. Unknown number of casualties were reported.
June 19, 2024: Al-Shabaab double tap armed assault and IED attacks on Ethiopian, Kenyan, and government forces military bases, in Wajid, the Bouralo Area, and the outskirts of Kamboni, Bakool, Lower Shabelle, and Lower Juba, Southern Somalia.
June 18, 2024: Al-Shabaab fighters reportedly took brief control of Ruunirgod in Middle Shabelle after government forces withdrew. No casualties were report from this incident.
June 19, 2024: Al-Shabaab targeted government forces headquarters with an IED, causing multiple deaths and injuries among official ranks, in Beled Hawo, Gedo Region, Southwest Somalia.
June 15, 2024: Al-Shabaab ambushes government forces, destroying 4 convoys and killing many, in Jalouli, Balad City, Mogadishu, Somalia.
June 15, 2024: Al-Shabaab targets two military vehicles carrying high-ranking government officials, killing a general, commander, mayor, and dozens of officers with an IED, in Berdale, Bay State, Southwest Somalia.
June 15, 2024: Al-Shabaab killed multiple Kenyan forces while targeting a military base with an IED, between the cities of Mandera and Beled Hawo, bordering Somalia and Kenya.
June 15, 2024: Al-Shabaab killed Ethiopian forces while targeting a military base with an IED, in Hadar City, Bakool State, Southwestern Somalia.
June 15, 2024: Al-Shabaab killed multiple Burundian forces while raiding a military base, in Balad City, Mogadishu, Somalia.
June 15, 2024: Lieutenant Colonel Mohamed Nur Mad-Dheere, the experienced Commander of the 8th Battalion, 60th Division of the Somali National Army, was killed in an Al-Shabaab ambush in the suburbs of Baidoa. The militants claimed responsibility, stating they killed the colonel and burned two armed vehicles. This occurred shortly after he was interviewed by Somali National TV (SNTV).
June 14, 2024: Al-Shabaab militants launched a daytime attack on the Ethiopian soldiers’ base at the Baidoa airport. The assault resulted in the death of 6 Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) soldiers and left 7 others wounded.
June 13, 2024: Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for firing mortars at an ENDF base in Hudur, resulting in reported casualties.
June 13, 2024: Heavily armed Al-Shabaab militants were reported in all major villages surrounding the Diinsoor district. It remains unclear whether the fighters intend to besiege the town or launch a major assault. Diinsoor is approximately 110 kilometers southwest of Baidoa.
June 13, 2024: Fighting broke out in Maguudo village when Al-Shabaab fighters targeted an Ethiopian military convoy heading to Baidoa. Two Ethiopian armed vehicles were damaged in the attack. Maguudo village is located about 56 kilometers southeast of Baidoa.
June 13, 2024: An IED blast targeted a police vehicle in the Jamhuuriya neighborhood of Mogadishu’s Kaaraan district, resulting in vehicle damage and several casualties.
June 13, 2024: Al-Shabaab targeted military bases of Ugandan and government forces, killing several, in Merca, Lower Shabelle, and near Jazeera and Lantboro Districts, Banaadir, Somalia.
June 13, 2024: Al-Shabaab raided government forces military base, in Wajid City, Bakool Region, Southwest Somalia.
June 12, 2024: Al-Shabaab fighters targeted a Ugandan military convoy with a roadside IED, near the K60 Area in Lower Shabelle Region, Southwest State, Somalia.
June 11, 2024: Al-Shabaab claimed it killed 4 non-Muslim Kenyans in Bogyar village, near Dadaab, Garissa County.
June 11, 2024: Al-Shabaab militants ambushed government militia forces, killing 4 with several others injured, in Kamboni, Badhaadhe District, Somalia.
June 11, 2024: Al-Shabaab militants raided government militia military checkpoint, in Berdaale City, Bay, Southwestern Somalia.
June 11, 2024: Al-Shabaab militants targeted a Kenyan troop carrier with an IED, killing 4 and injuring others, in Kiunga, Lamu District of Coast County, Kenya.
June 10, 4: Al-Shabaab claimed to have executed four people for spying on behalf of the Somali government and the US intelligence services, Kurtunwaaray, Lower Shabelle, Somalia.
June 8, 2024: Al-Shabaab militants overran a military base in Ceel Dheer town, Galgaduud region, killing over 50 government soldiers and capturing numerous armed vehicles, including those donated by Turkey. Most of the base’s military commanders were reported killed.
June 7, 2024: Al-Shabaab militants targeted a Somalian military checkpoint with an IED, in Bardiri City, Gedo, Southwestern Somalia.
June 6, 2024: Al-Shabaab militants armed assault on two Somalian military bases, in Janale and Odikili, Lower Shabelle, Somalia.
June 6, 2024: An explosion occurred in the Caanoole area of Mogadishu’s Wadajir district, injuring several people.
June 5, 2024: Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for killing 20 African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) soldiers, including 4 foreigners, and capturing one Kenyan soldier during a raid on a military base in the Beledamin district, Middle Shabelle region. The group’s media wing stated that an explosives-laden vehicle (VBIED) rammed into the military camp during the assault.
June 4, 2024: Al-Shabaab targeted a military convoy of Ugandan forces with an IED, killing two, in the Elasha area of Mogadishu, Somalia.
June 4, 2024: Al-Shabaab fighters ambushed government forces, killing many, in Berdale District, Bay Region, Southwestern Somalia.
June 3, 2024: Al-Shabaab militants targeted a military vehicle with an IED, killing many government soldiers, near Janale, Lower Shabelle, Somalia.
June 2, 2024: Al-Shabaab fighters attacked a Somali National Army (SNA) base, killing 6 government soldiers, in the Awdhegle area, Lower Shabelle, Somalia.
June 2, 2024: Al-Shabaab militants claimed to have killed several Ethiopian forces and captured their weapons during an attack on a military base in the Rab Dhuure area, Bakool region, Southwest State, Somalia.
June 2, 2024: Al-Shabaab fighters ambushed government forces, killing 6 soldiers and injuring 4 others, in Baidoa City, Bay Region, Somalia.
June 2, 2024: Al-Shabaab militants targeted a Somali military vehicle with an IED, killing 7 soldiers and injuring 5 others, in Janale District, Lower Shabelle, Somalia.
June 1, 2024: Al-Shabaab fighters targeted government forces and officials with an IED, killing a deputy mayor and injuring 2 soldiers, in Kamboni, Badhaadhe District, Lower Juba, Somalia.
June 1, 2024: Al-Shabaab ambushed a military convoy, killing 7 government soldiers, and wounding many others, near Bardera Town, Gedo, Southwestern Somalia.
The frequency and severity of these incidents indicate that Al-Shabaab remains a potent and adaptive threat in the region, capable of inflicting significant casualties and disrupting military and civilian activities. The persistent attacks on military convoys, bases, and checkpoints suggest a concerted effort to undermine regional security forces and assert control over strategic areas.
Additional Information:
Propaganda and Recruitment: Al-Shabaab’s release of a propaganda video featuring hundreds of new recruits parading with seized Somali army weapons in southern Somalia indicates a sophisticated recruitment and training program. This showcases their ability to attract and indoctrinate new members, bolstering their ranks and operational capacity.
Weapons and Tactics: The variety of weapons and tactics employed by Al-Shabaab, including firearms, mortars, IEDs, and VBIEDs, demonstrates their adaptability and resourcefulness. The capture of advanced military hardware from government forces further enhances their operational capabilities.
International Implications: Al-Shabaab’s targeting of foreign military bases, particularly those of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and Ethiopian forces, highlights the group’s intent to challenge international efforts to stabilize the region. The death of foreign soldiers and the capture of military equipment have broader implications for regional security and international counter-terrorism efforts.
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