At least two people were killed on Sunday night when Al Shabaab fighters attacked SNA military base in Middle Shabelle region, in the latest raid targeting Government soldiers deployed outside Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, local administration and residents said.
The group attacked the military base at Adale town, located some 180 kilometers north of Mogadishu prompting hours of fighting between the sides, according to Ali Abdule, deputy district commissioner.
“Al-Shabaab attacked the town last night, after hours of fighting, the SNA defended the town to ward off Al-Shabaab fighters,” said Abdulle.
Abdulle said the fighting claimed lives of people and wounded several others.
Residents in the area close to the base said the attack began when a bomb exploded near the base, after which gunmen fought their way into the base.
“There was a huge blast and then the heavy exchange of gunfire started,” said Ali Osman, a nearby resident.
On the other hand, Al-Shabaab claimed the responsibility for the attack on the military base.
“Mujahideen fighters stormed the base and killed several soldiers,” the Shabaab said through their mouthpiece media.
The Shabaab was forced out of the capital Mogadishu five years ago but continues to carry out regular attacks on military, government, and civilian targets in its battle to overthrow the internationally-backed administration.
