Somalia: Pro-government soldiers, AU forces clash with Al Shabaab in Qoryoley district

QORYOLEY, Somalia- Somali National Army (SNA), backed by AMISOM troops managed to repulse Al Shabaab militants who attempted to raid their military bases in Qoryoley district, about 120 km north west of Mogadishu, Garowe Online reports.

Confirming the incident, SNA official in the town, told GO over the phone that allied forces killed 4 militants and inflicted heavy losses on Al Shabaab group.

Al Qaeda-linked Al shabaab militants lost most of their weaponry, including AK-47 rifles, RPGs and machine guns in the overnight clash in Qoryoley district in Lower Shabelle region, added the official.

On the other hand, Al Shabaab claimed victory after the heavy clashes, saying its fighters have killed Ali Nune, the Deputy Commissioner of Qoryoley district.

Despite the claims made by Al Shabaab, Somali government officials remained quiet regarding the killing of Ali Nune, whom the group said he was in charge of the town.

Residents said the situation have returned to normal in the morning, following last night battle between Al Shabaab and the Somali troops backed by Ugandan soldiers serving with the African Union mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

Qoryoley, a key agriculture-rich district in Lower Shabelle region fell to SNA and AMISOM in 2014, after pushing the militants out of the town in a joint military operation.

Al Shabaab group still carry out sporadic attacks against the SNA and AMISOM military bases in the district, killing a number of soldiers and civilians in recent months, according to residents.

GAROWEONLINE