Mogadishu, Somalia – A high-ranking Somali military commander and several soldiers were killed in a roadside bomb attack targeting a government convoy in Lower Shabelle, security sources have confirmed.

The explosion occurred between the areas of Number 50 and Sabiib, targeting a convoy carrying Colonel Mohamed Nur (Jareere),the commander of the Somali National Army’s 14th October Battalion, along with his security detail. The commander was reportedly traveling from Awdheegle to Afgooye when the attack took place.

According to official sources, Colonel Jareere and most of the troops accompanying him lost their lives, while those wounded were evacuated to hospitals in Mogadishu for medical treatment.

Security forces have since deployed reinforcements to the area and launched an investigation into the attack. The situation remains tense as government troops continue search operations in the vicinity.

The bombing comes amid escalating hostilities between government forces and the Al-Shabaab militant group. Earlier today, Al-Shabaab fighters launched coordinated attacks, includingbombings, targeting military bases in Sabiib and Caanoole, areas under the jurisdiction of Afgooye district in Lower Shabelle.