Somali army soldiers killed in base attack in Middle Shabelle by Al-Shabaab- military source

Sources from Ruunirgood town in Middle Shabelle, southern Somalia say military and Al-Shabaab fighters were killed in a clash Sunday morning after the militant group ambushed an army base in the area.

Goobjoog News correspondent in the area said sources indicated there was a clash Sunday morning with reports of deaths from both sides. He however said military and regional administration officials could not divulge any information and the scene is inaccessible.

A military captain Nur Ali told Reuters the attack had taken place early on Sunday morning in the town of Runirgood, about 180 km to the north east of Mogadishu.

“Al Shabaab used a suicide car bomb to penetrate a military base. It exploded and then fierce fighting followed. At least 15 soldiers died,” Major Abdullahi Omar, a second army officer, told Reuters from the region by phone.

“The soldiers (at the base) were few and there were no AMISOM or other military nearby for reinforcement. We killed more than 10 militants in fighting on Saturday and Sunday,” Omar added. AMISOM is the African Union peacekeeping mission.

“The attack comes barely 24 hours after Somali military recaptured the town Saturday. Security and local government officials are tight lipped here and very little information is coming through,” Goobjoog News correspondent said.

A joint Somali forces and AMISO operation Saturday captured Masjid-Ali-Gaduud, Nuurdugle, Geedi-her, Tawakal, Towfiiq and Qahira localities in Middle Shabelle region.

Our correspondent says Al-Shabaab may have tactically withdrawn only to regroup and lay ambush at the Somali army soldiers Sunday morning.