​Somalia: Al Shabaab fires mortars at Ethiopian military base in Bakool region

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WAJID, Somalia- Al Shabaab militants fired mortars at an Ethiopian military base in Wajid district in Bakool region on Saturday, Garowe Online reports. 

Local residents in Wajid town said they heard sounds of several explosions from the mortar shelling landed in the camp, but reported no casualties from the attack.


The overnight mortar bombardment in Wajida has caused panic among residents and inhabitants in the nearby villages that have been under Al Shabaab blockade since 2014.

The Al Qaeda affiliated Al Shabaab has claimed responsibility, saying the shelling killed Ethiopian troops that serving with the African Union peacekeeping troops in Somalia (AMISOM), according to a statement posted on pro-militant media outlets.

Reports said Ethiopian troops have responded to the Al shabaab bombing with artillery and heavy weapons before conducting security operations in Wajid town and nearby areas. 

"Ethiopian troops of AMISOM contingent have returned fire. No damage or injuries were reported," said Wajid resident.

The militant group has intensified its attacks in the past months and recaptured key areas in central and southern Somalia amid the ongoing parliamentary election in regional states. 

GAROWEONLINE 

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