Al-Shabaab reportedly overruns ATMIS military base in El Baraf amid Eid celebrations

GOOBJOOG NEWS/MIDDLE SHABELLE: Al-Shabaab has this morning reportedly launched a heavy attack on AU forces (ATMIS) military base in El Baraf area of Mahaday district, Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region.

According to witness accounts, two loud explosions believed to be car bombs hit the ATMIS military base hosting Burundi troops, followed by heavy exchange of gunfire between the militants and Burundi troops.

Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the early morning attack in El Baraf, saying it had taken control of the Burundian military base, and that ATMIS troops had withdrawn from the area. 

There was no immediate comment from government authorities of ATMIS.