Deadly mortar and gun attack hit AU soldiers’ base in Somalia

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MOGADISHU, Somalia – Heavily armed fighters believed to be al Shabaab have carried out mortar and gun attack African Union forces’ base near Mahaday town, about 120 km north of Mogadishu

The attack triggered fierce battle when suspected al Shabaab launched mortar assault on peacekeeping troops from Burundi in Burane area near Mahaday town of Middle Shabelle region, a witness said.

He says heavy weaponries could be heard.

It is too early to say the exact casualty figures.

Neither African Union force nor al Shabaab commented on Monday’s attack.

Al Shabaab, an al Qaeda linked group has been battling against African Union troops and the weak-western backed government of Somalia for the last ten years.

The group wants to topple Mogadishu-based government and impose its strict Islamic version.