Somali troops repel a number of Al-Shabaab assaults close to the capital
Somali troops repel several Al-Shabaab attacks near the capital
MOGADISHU, Somalia – Al-Qaeda-linked group Al-Shabaab claimed victory in several military bases in Somalia on Saturday morning, a claim that has been disputed by the federal government in Somalia and the military, which insisted the militants be expelled.
Heavy fighting was reported in Lower Shebelle early Saturday morning as militants launched a series of attacks on federal forces, at a time when the country is fighting to cure a political crisis that threatens to plunge Somalia into a civil war.
In the first incident, the militants raided a military base in Barite town, which is strategic for the Somali National Army [SNA] within the fragile Lower Shabelle region. Later, the militants also ran over Awdheele military base in the region.
The militants also detonated a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device [VBIED] in Lafole, targeting government forces. Reports show, however, that the military managed to seize the vehicle carrying the units.
Confirmed reports also indicate that the militants are carrying out mortar attacks in Sabiid and Anole in Lower Shabelle, which were also targeted at government forces. The fighting continued most of Saturday morning, but the exact number of injuries is still sparse.
In a series of announcements published on the group’s affiliated media sites, al-Shabaab militants claimed victory, arguing that they had succeeded in completely destroying two military bases used by the Somali National Army.
However, the SNA team rejected the allegations, arguing that it had successfully repelled the attack on two military bases after fierce fighting with the militants. Until now, the military has yet to provide an exact number of casualties after the clashes.
Ironically, the fighting comes at a time when all Somali leaders are meeting in Mogadishu as they try to find a lasting solution to the election. Al-Shabaab militants still control large parts of central and southern Somalia in the countryside.
AXADLETM
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