MOGADISHU, Somalia – The al Qaeda linked al Shabaab says its fighters have carried out mortar attack Balidogle airbase where where U.S. marines offers specialized training to Somali army forces fighting against Al Shabaab.
Balidogle, an airbase lies 110 km northwest of Somali capital Mogadishu.
The group says mortar rounds had rained down on US airbase.
It is unclear how many were killed or injured in the attack.
The U.S. military remained unavailable to comment on the latest attack on Balidogle camp in Somalia.
Balidogle was described as a training base for Somali especial commandos. The trainers were reported to be U.S. contractors working for Bancroft Global Development.
Last year, U.S. Defense Department awarded a more than $12 million contract for “emergency runway repairs” at Balidogle base in Somalia.
The new runway repairs appear to be stepping up the capabilities of the airfield there, and could be the harbinger of an expanding U.S. foot print in Somalia.
The U.S. military has increased its air and ground offensives against al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab since President Donald Trump took office in 2017.
Last year, one U.S. soldier was killed and four more were wounded during an attack by al-Shabaab militants that consisted of small-arms fire and mortars.
That attack occurred near Kismayo town, some 500km south of Somali capital Mogadishu.
The United States has carried out more than 15 airstrikes against al-Shabab militants in Somalia this year.
