MOGADISHU, Somalia – A convoy carrying “illegal weapons” smuggled from Ethiopia confiscated from traders and escorted by SNA forces in central Somalia was ambushed.
The Somali government confirmed the incident near Abdudwak town and appealed to local leaders to assist in returning the weapons to government custody.
The weapons, initially seized from traders operating illegally, were being transported under government supervision when they came under attack.
The ambush resulted in some of the weapons falling into the hands of armed militias, further complicating the security situation in the region.
The Somali government has not disclosed the identity of the assailants or the militias involved in the attack.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the Somali government in maintaining control over illegal arms trafficking and ensuring the security of its convoys.
The government’s appeal to local leaders is seen as an attempt to leverage their influence and relationships with the local population to recover the lost weapons.
The success of this appeal will depend on the willingness of these leaders to cooperate with the government and the extent of their control over the militias in the area.
