Somali troops repel multiple Al-Shabaab attacks near the capital

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Al-Qaida linked group, the Al-Shabaab has claimed victory in multiple military bases attack in Somalia on Saturday morning, a claim which has been disputed by the federal government of Somalia and the military, which insisted that the militants were repulsed.

Fierce fighting was reported in Lower Shebelle in early Saturday morning as the militants launched a series of attacks on federal forces, at the time the country is struggling to cure a political crisis, which threatens to plunge Somalia into a civil war.

In the first incident, the militants raided a military base in Barite town, which is strategic for the Somali National Army [SNA] within the fragile Lower Shabelle region. Later, the militants also ran over Awdheele military base in the region.

Also, the militants detonated a Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device [VBIED] in Lafole, targeting government forces. However, reports indicate that the military managed to seize the vehicle carrying the devices.

Verified reports also indicate that the militants wage mortar attacks in Sabiid and Anole within Lower Shabelle, which also targeted the government forces. Fighting continued for the better part of Saturday morning but the exact number of casualties still remain scanty.

In a series of messages that were posted on the group's affiliate media sites, the Al-Shabaab militants claimed victory, arguing that it managed to completely destroy two military bases that are used by the Somali National Army.

However, the SNA team refuted the claims, arguing that it managed to repulse the attack at two military bases following heavy fighting with the militants. Until now, the military is yet to provide an exact number of casualties following the clashes.

Ironically, the fighting comes at the time all Somali leaders are meeting in Mogadishu as they try to look for a lasting solution over the electoral impasse. The Al-Shabaab militants still control large swathes of rural central and southern Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE