A fierce clash erupted after the Islamists’ Al-Shabaab staged an ambush attack on base operated by the Somali National Army (SNA) in the outskirts of Baidoa, southwestern Bay region of Somalia.
According to Somali government spokesman Ismail Mukhtar Oronjo Al-Shabaab fighters attacked a Somali national army base in Daynuney located some 25kilometers from Baidoa town, the administrative capital Bay state.
A company of SNA soldiers came under attack by Al-Shabaab terrorists on Wednesday, a commander was among those killed alongside other officers bringing the total fatalities to eight. More than six al-Shabaab fighters were also killed during fierce fighting with the Somali army.
After the attack, a military vehicle carrying reinforcements was targeted in a roadside blast, wounding several soldiers.
Bay is among regions of southern Somalia that have become a persistent battle fronts between Al-Shabaab, local forces and foreign troops. In the recent months, Bay region has witnessed a spike of Al-Shabaab repeat attacks.
The Al-Qaeda affiliated group which now controls large parts of south and central Somalia carries out deadly bomb attacks and raids on government offices, restaurants frequented by government officials, military bases and African Union troops.
