Five people killed in heavy fighting in Galgaduud region

Five people killed in a heavy fighting between Somali National Army (SNA) soldiers backed AU troops and Al-Shabaab fighters at SNA military base in Galgaduud region.

The fighting erupted after  Al-Shabaab fighters attempted to attack SNA base Budbud village.

“Al-Shabaab attacked army base near Budbud village of region. The SNA overpowered and shot dead two of them on the spot,” SNA officer said.

He declined to say if there were casualties on their sides.

However, Al-Shabaab militants claimed victory in the attack in which the insurgents claimed to have taken over the army base.

The group said that it captured the SNA base and killed three government soldiers.

Somali National Army backed by the African Union peacekeeping troops have stepped up security operations against Al-Shabaab in the south and central Somalia this year.