Somali Army fends off Shabaab attack in Lower Shabelle region

Somali National Army (SNA) Wednesday evening repulsed an attack by the militant group Al-Shabaab in Lower Shabelle region, sources have said.

Local residents who spoke to the media said the militants launched the attack at SNA base in Awdhegle town using motor shells paving way for the fighters to move in. However, military officials said the troops managed to fend off the attack.

“The militants retreated after our forces hit them back,” the military official who was not named told journalists.

There was no official confirmation of the attack by defense headquarters in Mogadishu but Al-Shabaab said in a statement it overrun the base and killed several soldiers.

The group is known for inflating harm and casualty figures.

The attack comes amid sustained offensive by SNA forces in Lower Shabelle and Middle Jubba regions inflicting heavy losses on the militants and regaining control of areas hitherto under Al-Shabaab control.