Somalia: AU troops clash with Al Shabaab in Lower Shabelle region

MOGADISHU, Somalia- A fierce gunfight between African Union forces and Al shabaab fighters broke out near Bulo-Marer district in Lower Shabelle region on Saturday, Garowe Online reports.

Saturday's battle has erupted after armed Al Shabaab militants ambushed a military convoy transporting Uganda soldiers of AMISOM contingent in a remote area close to Bulo Marer.

The ambush began with roadside blast targeted the military convoy, sparking a hours-long firefight between Al Shabaab fighters and AMISOM forces, according to sources. Pro-Al Shabab media reported that an armored vehicle belonging to AU forces was destroyed in the improvised explosive device (IED) explosion, a claim that AMISOM denies.

The AU convoy was attacked shortly after leaving Shalanbod district, which was carrying military supply to AMISOM bases in Barawe town, a coastal city in Lower Shabelle region.

No casualties were reported by the Ugandan troops, who are serving with the African Union mission in Somalia known as AMISOM.

In a separate incident, Al Shabaab said it has gunned down a senior Somali police officer in Mogadishu on Friday night, the latest in series of assassinations against security force members in the capital Mogadishu.

The officer who was identified as Colonel Ismail has been shot dead by two pistol-wielding men at his house located in Waberi district, however, the killers have escaped from the scene before the arrival of police.

Al Qaida linked Al Shabaab group has intensified its raids in the past weeks in a bid to overthrow the western-backed Somali government in Mogadishu.  

GAROWEONLINE