Mortar Attack Targets Ethiopian Troops Amid Ongoing Security Operations in Southwest Somalia
Saturday , June 20, 2026 (Baidoa Online) -Reports from Somalia’s Bay region indicate that Al-Shabaab fighters launched a mortar attack targeting a military base occupied by Ethiopian troops in the town of Qansaxdheere, highlighting the persistent security challenges facing government and allied forces in southern Somalia.
According to local residents and security sources, several mortar rounds were fired toward the Ethiopian military installation on Saturday. The attack reportedly struck areas in or around the base, although the exact impact and any potential casualties remain unclear.
As of the time of publication, neither the Somali federal government, the Southwest State administration, nor Ethiopian military officials had issued an official statement regarding the incident or confirmed whether there were casualties or material damage.
According to security sources, Al-Shabaab carried out the mortar attack against a base used by Ethiopian forces operating in Qansaxdheere district in the Bay region.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple explosions in the vicinity of the military compound. Local residents said the blasts were followed by heightened security activity around the base as troops assessed the situation and reinforced security measures.
The attack comes as Somali government forces, regional security units, and international partners continue military operations aimed at weakening Al-Shabaab’s presence in several parts of southern and central Somalia.
Qansaxdheere is considered a strategically important district in Bay region due to its location and its role in connecting several key areas in Southwest Somalia. The town has experienced repeated security incidents over the years because of its proximity to areas where Al-Shabaab maintains influence.
Ethiopian forces have played a significant role in regional security operations, supporting efforts to stabilize territories previously affected by insurgent activity. Their presence forms part of broader regional and international security cooperation aimed at combating militant groups operating in Somalia.
According to security analysts, attacks targeting military bases often serve as attempts by Al-Shabaab to demonstrate its operational capabilities despite sustained military pressure.
No official casualty figures have been released, and independent verification of the damage caused by the shelling has not yet been possible.
According to local officials, security agencies are assessing the aftermath of the attack and gathering information about the origin of the mortar fire. Authorities are also expected to evaluate whether the incident will require additional security measures in the district.
Security officials have not announced any immediate retaliatory operations, although military responses often follow such attacks in areas affected by insurgent activity.
While the reported shelling targeted a military installation, residents expressed concern about the potential risks to civilians living near security compounds.
According to local residents, indirect fire attacks such as mortar strikes can pose dangers to surrounding communities, particularly when military facilities are located close to populated areas.
Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned that continued insecurity in parts of Bay region contributes to displacement, limits access to services, and complicates efforts to provide assistance to vulnerable populations.
No civilian casualties were immediately reported following the attack.
Bay region has long been one of the areas affected by conflict between Somali security forces and Al-Shabaab. The group has previously carried out attacks involving roadside bombs, armed assaults, and mortar shelling against military positions throughout the region.
In response, Somali forces, supported by regional and international partners, have conducted numerous operations aimed at disrupting Al-Shabaab networks and restoring government authority in contested areas.
Despite military gains in recent years, security experts note that the group continues to demonstrate an ability to launch asymmetric attacks against government and allied targets.
The situation in Qansaxdheere was reported to be calm following the attack, although security forces remain on heightened alert.
The incident underscores the ongoing security challenges facing Somalia as government forces continue efforts to weaken Al-Shabaab’s operational capabilities across the country.
The reported shelling of an Ethiopian military base in Qansaxdheere highlights the continued threat posed by Al-Shabaab despite ongoing military campaigns against the group. Attacks targeting foreign and Somali security forces remain a key element of the group’s strategy to challenge government authority and maintain influence in rural areas.
The incident is also significant because Ethiopian troops play an important role in regional security efforts supporting Somalia’s stabilization initiatives. Any attack against such forces draws attention from regional governments and international partners involved in counterterrorism operations.
While the full impact of the attack remains unclear, the event serves as a reminder that security gains in Somalia remain fragile and that militant groups continue to possess the capability to conduct attacks against military targets in strategic locations across the country.