Somalia, extremists declare over 100 killed in intense battle

Somalia’s authorities and al-Qaida-linked fighters each claimed greater than 100 folks have been killed Friday of their deadliest battle for the reason that authorities launched a significant navy offensive towards the extremists in August.

The federal government in an announcement asserted that greater than 100 al-Shabab extremists died after they attacked a Somali Nationwide Military base within the Galgudud area village of Galcad that was not too long ago retaken from the fighters’ management.

The federal government assertion mentioned seven troopers, together with an officer from the elite, U.S.-trained Danab brigade, have been killed within the “intense assault” however asserted that the navy remained accountable for the bottom. The federal government expressed gratitude to worldwide allies that assisted within the battle.

A spokesman for the Al-Shabab extremists, Sheikh Abu Musab, asserted that greater than 150 Somali troopers and officers have been killed.

READ ALSO: Somalia: Deadly Shebab attack on military camp

Neither facet’s declare could possibly be independently verified, however Galcad resident Abukar Uluso instructed The Related Press there was heavy gunfire exchanged.

“It was in the course of the daybreak prayer after I heard the sound of explosions adopted by an change of gunfire,” Uluso mentioned. “Most fatalities have been among the many two sides, and the civilian casualties are minimal for the reason that assault happened inside the military base.”

Somalia’s authorities final 12 months declared “whole warfare” towards al-Shabab. The extremist group has 1000’s of fighters and has lengthy held elements of central and southern Somalia, and sometimes carries out high-profile assaults within the capital, Mogadishu.

The federal government in current months claimed success in retaking many communities throughout what has been described as essentially the most important offensive in additional than a decade. Safety analysts have warned that holding the territory can be a problem.