KISMAAYO (Halbeeg) – At least 18 Al-Shabaab fighters have been killed in Southern Somalia after the group engaged in fierce fighting with Somali National Army (SNA) on Tuesday evening, a military official confirmed Wednesday.
Somali forces in coordination with their allied forces in Jubaland areas have recently stepped up the war against Al-Shabaab fighters.
The heavily armed Al-Shabaab fighters raided the Somali military base in Muse-Hajji village of Lower Shabelle region.
Local Sources in the area say a massive blast was heard near the base before fierce fighting broke out.
Both sides, however, gave conflicting reports on the latest Al-Shabaab attack on the SNA military.
Speaking to Military owned Radio, SNA force commander of the 43rd Battalion, Ismail Sheikh Issack said Somali troops had beaten off an attack by Al-Shabab on SNA military base in the outskirts of Kismayo town.
The commander told the radio that SNA soldiers shot dead a suicide car bomber before he reached the gate of the army base.
Mr. Issack said 17 other Al-Shabaab fighters were in the attack.
He did not comment on the casualties on Somali forces.
On the other hand, Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack on the base saying its fighters killed over three Somali soldiers.
Al-Shabab which once controlled much of Somalia wants to topple the Somali government.
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