Al-Shabaab targets military base in dawn raid in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Al-Qaeda network ally in Africa, the Al-Shabaab, has continued with its cowardly raids across the country during the Holy Month of Ramadhan, with the latest attack targeting a military base within Middle Shabelle in central regions.

Reports from insiders suggest the militants attacked government soldiers in Daaru-Nicma village in the Middle Shabelle region on early Tuesday morning, the third time the group has raided the village within just 12 months.

A source in the region told VOA by phone that the government troops are under attack, with casualties reported as well. The militants have heightened their attacks during Ramadhan, a month observed by the Muslim faithful.

During Ramadan, the militants have attacked Busley, Sanguni, Xinlabi, SYL hotel, and Daaru-Nicma. The attack on SYL Hotel left six people dead with several others injured according to the report released by the federal government of Somalia.

The al-Shabaab group has been on the receiving end for the last 17 months following the activation of the operations against them in central regions, an exercise which was closely monitored by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who is the commander-in-chief.

Radical changes have been made in the military as well, with the operation leaving close to 4,000 militants dead. The second phase of operations against the Al-Shabaab will target Jubaland and Southwest states.

The government troops have started taking over security responsibilities from the US Africa Command and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Tuesday's attack is yet to be confirmed by the government but Al-Shabab has since taken responsibility.

GAROWE ONLINE