MOGADISHU, Somalia (SMN) — Heavy fighting broke out late Saturday night between Somali government forces and Al-Shabab militants on the outskirts of Mogadishu, locals said.
The clash occurred in the Elasha Biyaha area after Al-Shabab fighters launched a surprise attack on a military base located in the district. The assault triggered an intense gun battle between the two sides.
Witnesses told Shabelle Radio by phone that they heard heavy weaponry being exchanged throughout the night. The situation returned to normalcy after the battle had ceased.
Casualties were reported, though the exact number of dead or injured remains unclear as of Sunday morning. Security authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.
The Elasha Biyaha area, located southwest of the capital, has previously witnessed similar attacks by the militant group, which seeks to oust the UN-backed Somali government.
Somali government deployed elite police and intellgence soldiers to the area during the Holy month of Ramadan, to avert possible Al-Shabaab attacks against the capital city.
