Somalia’s government and Al Qaeda-linked fighters have both claimed more than 100 people were killed in the deadliest battle since the government launched a major military offensive against the extremists in August.
Key points:
- Somalia’s government declared “total war” against extremist group al-Shabab in August last year
- The government said more than 100 al-Shabab fighters died after they attacked an army base
- al-Shabab claims more than 150 Somali soldiers and officers were killed
The government said more than 100 Al Shabaab extremists died after they attacked a Somali National Army base in the Galgudud-region village of Galcad, which was recently retaken from the fighters’ control.
The government statement said seven soldiers, including an officer from the elite, US-trained Danab brigade, were killed in the “intense attack”, but asserted that the military remained in control of the base.
The government expressed gratitude to international allies that assisted in the battle.
A spokesman for the Al Shabaab extremists, Sheikh Abu Musab, asserted that more than 150 Somali soldiers and officers were killed.
Neither side’s claim could be independently verified, but Galcad resident Abukar Uluso said there was heavy gunfire exchanged.
“It was during the dawn prayer when I heard the sound of explosions followed by an exchange of gunfire,” Mr Uluso said.
“Most fatalities were among the two sides, and the civilian casualties are minimal since the attack took place inside the army base.”
Somalia’s government declared “total war” against Al Shabaab in August last year.
The extremist group has thousands of fighters and has long held parts of central and southern Somalia, and often carries out high-profile attacks in the capital, Mogadishu.
The government in recent months claimed success in retaking many communities during what has been described as the most significant offensive in more than a decade.
Security analysts have warned that holding the territory will be a challenge.
AP