​Somalia: Al Shabaab raids AMISOM base in Southern Somalia

QORYOLEY, Somalia- Al Shabaab militant group has  carried out overnight mortar attacks on Monday, targeting military base belonging to the African Union peacekeeping troops (AMISOM) in Qoryoley district in Lower Shabelle region, Garowe Online reports. 

Local residents told GO that Al Shabaab has fired rounds of mortars that struck AMISOM base before engaging in heavy fire exchange with AU troops. 

AMISOM fired mortars to repulse back the militants but it reported it has targeted the town causing unconfirmed casualties. 

The overnight raid is the fourth in a series of attacks by the militant group against AMISOM base in Qoryoley, relatively peaceful town but recently witnessed intensified clashes that led to civilian casualties. 

Once Al Shabaab stronghold area, Qoryoley an agriculture-rich district was recaptured by AMISOM and Somali government troops in 2014 but the militants still wage sporadic attacks from nearby areas. 

AMISOM base is located near the bridge at the outskirts of the town, whereas few units of Somali troops stationed inside the town. 

So far Somali government officials -term ended in September 10- haven't released statement in relation to the recurrent clashes between AMISOM troops and Al Shabaab in Southern Somalia. 

Al Qaida linked Al Shabaab group is fighting Somali forces and allied forces in a bid to overthrow the UN-backed Somali government to impose its own strict form of governance. 

GAROWEONLINE