Somalia: Over a dozen killed as Al Shabaab attacks Afgooye
AFGOOYE, Somalia-More than a dozen people have been reported killed in fighting in the market town of Afgooye, some 25km west of Mogadishu on Tuesday, Garowe Online reports.
Witnesses and security sources say, at least twelve people died in the fierce clashes in the Lower Shabelle region town.
Somali government forces and African Union peacekeepers repelled the pre-planned attack, hemming militants back into their hideouts.
Some of those killed were kidnapped from their homes, sources added.
Calm has returned to Afgooye, with pro-Al Shabaab radio station claiming responsibility for the deadly assault and 10 deaths within Somali National Army (SNA).
Reports of armored vehicles destroyed in exchange of heavy artillery have also surfaced later today.
Lower Shabelle region in southern Somalia has been a spot for sporadic Al Shabaab attacks targeting military bases and police compounds.
GAROWEONLINE