Lower Shabelle, Somalia — Two soldiers from the South West State forces were killed in an ambush on the outskirts of Afgooye, regional sources have confirmed.

The soldiers were traveling from Wanlaweyn to Afgooye when they were intercepted and fatally shot by suspected Al-Shabaab militants. According to reports, the assailants seized the soldiers’ weapons before making a swift escape from the scene.

Eyewitnesses reported that the soldiers were traveling by motorcycle when the attack occurred. Local officials in Afgooye have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.

The Lower Shabelle region remains a stronghold for Al-Shabaab, which continues to carry out targeted attacks against Somali government forces and ATMIS troops operating in the area.