Somalia: Al-Shabaab attacks Af Urur (Puntland) Sept 1

Event

An improvised explosive device was detonated at a market in the town of Af Urur in the Puntland region on Friday, September 1. At least 12 people were killed in the blast, including five soldiers. Several other people were also wounded in the attack. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the bombing.

Context

The attack appears to have specifically targeted soldiers who are stationed in the town and were visiting a khat market. It also coincided with the first day of the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha, (Feast of Sacrifice). Al-Shabaab briefly took control of Af Urur during an assault in June 2017, which resulted in around 40 soldiers being killed. The town is located about 100 km (60 mi) south of Bosaso near the Galgala Mountains, an area that is largely controlled by Al-Shabaab.

Al-Shabaab continues to control large zones in the south and center of the country and attacks have been on the rise in the northern parts of Somalia, including Puntland, since late 2016. The group often targets government officials and military infrastructure in a bid to topple the Western- and United Nations-backed government and impose its own strict interpretation of Islam in Somalia.

Advice

Individuals present in Somalia are advised to avoid the affected area and to monitor developments to the situation.

Due to the high threat of terrorism, individuals present throughout the country are advised to avoid government and institutional buildings as well as political events due to Al-Shabaab's tendency to target political figures and security forces. Because of extremely poor security conditions, travel should only be considered with appropriate security precautions in place.