MOGADISHU, Somalia – At least two children were killed during a fierce overnight clash between U.S.-trained Somali special forces known as Danab and a senior Al-Shabaab member in the Buladul-Amiin area of Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region, residents told Shabelle Radio.
The confrontation reportedly erupted when Danab commandos launched a raid targeting the residence of a man identified as Mohamed Abukar, alleged to be a member of the Al-Qaeda-linked militant group Al-Shabaab.
According to an eyewitness who spoke with Shabelle Radio, Abukar opened fire on the troops and managed to escape, though he was reportedly injured. A young girl, said to be his daughter, was wounded in the exchange, while two children, believed to be his grandchildren, were killed.
The Danab unit reportedly arrived in the area via helicopter from the Balidoogle airbase, a key U.S. and Somali military installation located roughly 90 kilometers northwest of Mogadishu.
The full extent of casualties on the side of the Danab forces remains unclear.
Danab forces, who receive specialized training and support from the United States, frequently carry out targeted raids against high-ranking Al-Shabaab operatives, as part of ongoing efforts by the Somali federal government to dismantle the militant group’s leadership.
