Two killed as Ethiopian military convoy hits a string of landmines in Bardhere

At least two people were killed and several others wounded after Ethiopian army vehicle drover over a string of landmines in centre of Somalia’s Southern town, Bardhere on Saturday.

Goobjoog News correspondent in the town said an Ethiopia anti-personnel carrier driving through the town was damaged after it drove through around five landmines planted on the road.

“The vehicle had driven about five kilometers from their camp when the incident happened. The mines seemed to have been lined up to ensure the carriers could not escape,” our correspondent said.

He said two people, an Ethiopian soldier attached to the African Union force, Amisom and a civilian were killed and several others both the soldiers and civilians were wounded in the explosions in Bardhere. Amisom troops seized Bardhere town last year in a move that heavily cut off Al-Shabaab source of income which it acquired through forced levies from residents.

Witnesses said the civilian victims were injured after the Ethiopian troops randomly opened fire at a densely populated area while the explosion destroyed the first military vehicle.

A local resident told Goobjoog News that the whole scene where the incident occurred was cordoned off. “The locals were chased from the area so we do not yet know the Ethiopian casualties. The blast rocked the entire town,” he said.

The Ethiopians were on their way to a well at the center of town to draw water, according to residents.

In the aftermath of the roadside explosion, Amisom troops launched an operation which forced local residents to stay indoors, fearing massive arrest during the crackdown. No group has so far claimed credit for the attack on AU troops.

Bardhere town is located about 452 km south of Somalia’s capital city Mogadishu.