Somalia: Mortar shells targets AMISOM base in Mogadishu

Mogadishu, Somalia – African Union troops base in the Somali capital of Mogadishu has come under mortar fire on Thursday, Garowe online reports.

At least four mortars targeting Halane base, the biggest army base belonging to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has hit areas surrounding the base.

Somali Police official on a condition of anonymity told GO, that three mortar shells landed around Halane base located next to Mogadishu's Aden Adde International airport. Reports of casualties and damages were not immediately available, the Police officer said.

"There were 4 mortar shells, 3 of them landed near AMISOM's Halane base, while the fourth struck a house in Danwadagta district, wounding one woman," a resident confirmed to GO.

AMISOM officials did not comment on the attack, and so far no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks which becomes the latest in series of mortar shelling targeting Somali’s Presidential Palace and AMISOM base in less than a week.

Halane base considered the most secure area in Mogadishu and home to the United Nations offices and western embassies but the camp in several occasions has been hit in attacks carried out by Al Shabab militants group.

Somalia is preparing to host the 53rd summit of Intra-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) this weekend in the capital of Mogadishu and regional leaders are expected to attend the summit in Halane base.

GAROWEONLINE