Two killed in Al-Shabaab attack on Qoryooley town

Two people have been killed and seven others injured in an attack by Al-Shabaab armed group on a military base manned African Union Mission In Somalia (AMISOM) in Qoryooley town, a local official said.

Heavily armed Al Shabaab fighters attacked the base from two directions late Saturday which prompting hours of fighting between the sides, according to a resident who spoke to Goobjoog New on condition of anonymity.

He said two civilians dead after they hit by astray bullet.

Residents in the town said the attack began when a bomb exploded near the base, after which gunmen fought.

“There was a huge blast and then the heavy exchange of gunfire started,” said Ali, a nearby resident.

Reports said Al-Shabaab took control of the SNA base and town after the Somali forces together with the local officers were ousted from the town.

“Al-Shabaab fighters attacked the town. Their target seemed to be the AMISOM military base,” another local resident said.

Al-Shabaab claimed the responsibility for the attack on the military base.

“Mujahideen fighters stormed the base and killed soldiers,” the Shabaab said through their mouthpiece media.

Al-Shabaab was forced out of the capital Mogadishu five years ago but continues to carry out regular attacks on military, government, and civilian targets in its battle to overthrow the internationally-backed administration.