Hiiraan Online
Wednesday November 22, 2017
QORYOOLEY, (HOL)-Several people have been killed and dozens wounded after Alshabaab militants launched an attack on a military base owned by Somali forces in Qoryooley town of Somalia's Lower Shabelle region, residents and officials.
Heavily armed militants on Tuesday night attacked the camp from different directions leading hours of fighting, according to local residents.
Qoryooley deputy district commissioner, Abdi Ahmed Ali confirmed the attack saying the forces overpowered the militants who attempted to take over the town.
"The group attempted to attack the town but they were defeated by Somali soldiers. Several of the militants were neutralized, they went away with dozens of injuries," said Ali.
Reports say the militants engaged in street battle with SNA soldiers.
Osman Mustaf Khaliif, a resident in Qoryooley said the attack began when a bomb exploded near the base.
“There was a huge blast and then the heavy exchange of gunfire started,” Khaliif said. Another resident said the fighting caused collateral damage.
" There are civilian casualties but we cannot figure out the number. The town is now under the control of Somali government," he said.
He added “Al-Shabaab fighters attacked the town. Their target seemed to be ANA military base."
Al-Shabaab was forced out of the capital Mogadishu six years ago but continues to carry out regular attacks on military, government, and civilian targets in its battle to overthrow the internationally-backed administration.