On January 14, 2023, al-Shabaab attacked two African Union bases in the cities of Buloburde and Jalalaqsi, both in Hirshabelle State, Somalia.

The Somali government, in late 2022, launched a campaign against al-Shabaab in Hirshabelle State, capturing several towns and swaths of land from the group.

[1] Buloburde and Jalalaqsi, both major government-controlled cities in the region, have been hit in the past with attacks by al-Shabaab in retaliation to the offensive.

[6] The car was intercepted, and exploded near an African Union base in the town and the local police headquarters.

[7] They also claimed responsibility for a second attack in the city of Halgan in Buloberde District on January 16, which killed the police chief and several others.