Fifty die as Al-Shabab attacks two SNA military bases

At least 50 people died and over 20 injured in fighting between Somali government forces and Al-Shabab fighters at military bases in Bakool region on Saturday morning, officials say.

Fighters loyal to Al-Shabab fighters have staged attacked on two separate SNA military bases prompting hours of fighting.

Reports say that the attack began with heavy artillery and mortar fire by Al-Shabab fighters.

The residents say sounds of heavy artillery used by both sides was heard all over the two localities and their environs.

The governor of Bakool said that the fighting lasted several hours has left casualties and the government soldiers have managed to drive away the fighters.

“The soldiers are still controlling the base and those fighters were pushed back with heavy casualties” he said.

Al-Shabab fighters who want to topple internationally recognized Somali government, have sped up their attacks on SNA and AMISOM military bases in different parts of the country.