Hilowle Gaab attack

The attack began at 5 am, when civilians were beginning their morning prayers. A Ma'awisley spokesperson stated that three car bombs were set off by the militants, and a three hour long battle ensued between Somali forces and Ma'awisley fighters against al-Shabaab.^[2][4] Five Somali commanders were killed in the attack, along with several Ma'awisley fighters and civilians. Many other Somali soldiers were wounded.^[4] Somali government and military officials claimed to have pushed al-Shabaab back into the forests near Hilowle Gaab after the attack.^[4]

al-Shabaab claimed to have killed 31 Somali and Ma'awisley soldiers in the attack, along with capturing a base and scores of equipment.^[5] The Somali government declined to give a number of killed or injured on either side, although seven people were confirmed dead.^[6][1]