Al-Shabaab ambushes AMISOM convoy in Middle Shabelle region

Al-Shabab has ambushed African Union Peace-Keeping Mission (AMISOM) convoy in Somalia, residents said Friday.

Dozens of armed Al-Shabab fighters attacked a convoy carrying troops on Thursday night in a remote area, Qura-madow close to Mahadday town in Middle Shaballe region of Somalia.

”We heard heavy gun battles that lasted for hours. All the residents were in state of fear and shock,” said one resident in Qura-madow  village, where the attack took place.

The number of casualties is yet unclear as the area is remote.

But Al-Shabab officials have claimed through their media that they have killed around 20-soldiers and destroyed military trucks.

A local resident who spoke on the condition of anonymity said that the AMISOM troops called in for a reinforcement.

On the other hand, AMISOM officials are yet to comment on the incident.

The AU force in Somalia deployed to Mogadishu in 2007 to back the weak interim government.

The Al-Shabab remain dangerous, unpredictable and bold, known for audacious and chilling attacks. Their fighters routinely target the Somali government in Mogadishu.

Somalia has been racked by constant war for more than 20 years – its last functioning national government was toppled in 1991.