AMISOM repulses Al-Shabaab attack on base outside Mogadishu

Amisom forces repulsed an attack from Al-Shabaab militants Tuesday night in Arbacow village, 20 km northwest of Mogadishu.

African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) said on its twitter account that at around 7: pm Al-Shabaab launched an attack on AU Defensive Position in Arbacow village.

“The militants were repulsed with maximum power and withdrew, with casualties expected. AMISOM suffered no casualties in the incident,” said the Mission.

Resident of Arbacow confirmed the attack saying heavy gunfire and explosions could be heard as African Union forces battled the militants.

Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack.

The group stepped up its attacks against Somali government and AU troops for the last 24 hours in a bid to disrupt the presidential election which is scheduled to take place today.