Ethiopian forces thwart Al-Shabaab attack in Dollo town

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Ethiopian forces on Wednesday thwarted an attempt by Al-Shabaab militants to overrun its base in Dollo town at the Somalia-Ethiopian border.

The attack which occurred early Wednesday indicates an attempt by the terrorist organization to renew its attacks, after it successfully overrun a Ugandan base on May 26^th, killing dozens of soldiers.

On Wednesday, the Ethiopian government said its troops, part of a contingent of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), had successfully thwarted the attack.

“The Ethiopian National Defence Forces stopped the attackers in their tracks before they could wreak havoc,” the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

Adding, “The ENDF neutralised suicide bombers and destroyed weapons to be used by the terrorist group,” the statement added, reflecting a near identical tactic used on Ethiopian forces two weeks ago.

Sources indicated that the attack, which involved two vehicles loaded with explosives, was foiled by the Ethiopian security forces stationed at the base.

Al Shabaab had earlier claimed the attack which they boasted, without evidence, of having been successful, according to its propaganda wing.

The Ethiopian government statement didn’t say if the attack caused any casualties on the Ethiopian soldiers.