SNA repels al-Shabaab attacks on several bases in Lower Shabelle

MOGADISHU (Halbeeg News) – Somali forces in Lower Shabelle region have last night thwarted al-Shabaab attacks on several towns in the region.
Heavily armed al-Shabaab fighters have simultaneously raided Somali army bases in Qoryoley, Barire, Awdhegle and Afgoye towns.
According to locals in those areas, group invaded the bases from different directions prompting fierce clashes.
Somali forces reportedly defended the bases, forcing the group’s fighters to retreat.
The casualties of the clashes on both sides are yet unclear as both Somali and al-Shabaab did not comment the exact figure.
The attacks come on the heel of intensified operations against al-Shabaab in the region.
Somali army backed continental troops have recently stepped up the fight to liberate areas under al-Shabaab control.
Last May, Somali military recapture Bariire, a strategic town from al-Shabaab following heavy fighting with the group.
The agricultural-rich Bariire, which lies about 60 km west of Somali capital, Mogadishu, is one of the strategic areas located in Lower Shabelle region along River Shabelle.
Two months later, the military recapture another strategic locality, Awdhegle after covert operation against al-Shabaab.