17 Killed in Al-Shabaab Attack on Somali Military Base

At least 17 people were killed in Somalia today, Saturday, in an attack by the Al-Shabaab group on a military base. The group and security officials reported that the attackers briefly took control of the Bosley base in the Lower Shabelle region of southwestern Somalia. A Somali army officer told Reuters that armed fighters from Al-Shabaab made their way into the facility using explosive-laden suicide vehicles. The officer declined to be named as he was not authorized to speak to the media. He added, "Suicide car bombers attacked the base after intense fighting. Al-Shabaab took control of the base for a brief period." He continued, "After that, government reinforcements engaged in fierce battles with the group and drove them out." He mentioned that seven Somali soldiers, including the base commander, and ten Al-Shabaab fighters were killed during the fighting. Some residents in the area told Reuters that Al-Shabaab also burned military vehicles and seized others during the attack. Al-Shabaab issued a statement claiming responsibility for the attack, stating that they killed 57 government soldiers. The group often presents casualty figures higher than those reported by the government. It was not possible to reach Somali government officials for comment. The group, affiliated with Al-Qaeda, has been fighting for nearly two decades to overthrow the central government in Somalia and establish its own rule based on its strict interpretation of Islamic law.