​Somalia: Militants attack Ethiopian base in Hiiran region

HALGAN, Somalia- The terror group al-Shabaab has attacked a military base for the Ethiopian troops serving with the African Union forces (AMISOM) in Halgan town on Wednesday, Garowe Online reports.

Local residents told GO that heavy fighting broke out in the town when al-Shabaab fighters attempted to storm into the base but encountered stiff resistance form the Ethiopian forces.

The two sides used heavy weaponry, as sound of exchange of fire heard from around the town, but so far no clear information on the casualties of the fighting has been reported.

The militant group al-Shabaab has announced through its affiliated media that its fighters have inflicted heavy losses to the Ethiopian military base and killed several soldiers. They also claimed seizing part of the town from the allied AMISOM forces.

Halgan town in Hiiran region was recaptured recently by AMISOM forces following the defeat of al-Shabaab fighters who fled the town. 

So far Somalia government and AMISOM officials didn’t comment on Halgan attacks on Wednesday or the casualties.

Al Qaida linked al-Shabab militants group have carried out frequent attacks against security forces and African Union forces in an efforts to topple the Somali government.

GAROWEONLINE