Al-Shabaab Launches Raid On Somali Army Outpost

Heavily armed militants were reported to have launched a daring attack on Somali army base in Lower Shabelle region on Saturday, residents said.

The ambush raid which occurred in Bula-Mareer area has sparked hours-long gunfight between Somali military and the Al-Shabaab fighters that inflicted casualties on both sides.

Sources said Somali soldiers fought off the attackers and pushed them back from the area during the heavy exchange of gunfire.

Somali military is yet to comment on the attack.

Al-Shabaab has stepped up attacks in the country, targeting Somali government buildings, military bases belonging to the SNA and African Union peacekeepers, known as AMISOM.