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Somalia: Al-Shabab militants attack African Union base Somalia: African Union troops fight off al-Shabab attack
(about 1 hour later)
Al-Shabab militants have launched an attack on the main African Union military base near Mogadishu airport in Somalia. African Union troops in Somalia have fought off an attack by al-Shabab militants on its military base near Mogadishu's international airport.
Explosions and gunfire could be heard in the vicinity, AU spokesman Col Ali Houmed told AFP. The AU mission (Amisom) said its troops regained control of the base after killing all of the militants.
Al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the attack and says its fighters are inside the base. It said three of its soldiers and one civilian were injured in the fighting, which went on for several hours.
The African Union has over 20,000 troops in the country to help the weak government battle al-Shabab.The African Union has over 20,000 troops in the country to help the weak government battle al-Shabab.
Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab, al-Shabab's military spokesman, said that fighters had breached the compound's defences. Al-Shabab confirmed it had launched an attack on the base. Spokesman Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab said its fighters had breached the compound's defences.
"Our fighters have entered AU's Halane base by force through the gate and now fighting is going on inside the base," he said."Our fighters have entered AU's Halane base by force through the gate and now fighting is going on inside the base," he said.
After several hours of explosions and gunfire, Amisom tweeted that the base was "safe and under control".
"The Amisom soldiers are commended for their gallant effort in controlling the situation," it added.
Amisom spokesman Col Ali Houmed told AP news agency that at least eight militants entered the base.
Three were shot dead and two blew themselves up, he said. Three are believed to have escaped.
The AU base is on the edge of the compound of Mogadishu's international airport.The AU base is on the edge of the compound of Mogadishu's international airport.
The base also hosts the British and Italian embassies and is used as the headquarters for United Nations operations in Somalia.The base also hosts the British and Italian embassies and is used as the headquarters for United Nations operations in Somalia.
Aleem Siddique, a UN spokesman in Somalia, told Reuters news agency that all UN staff were safe. Amisom said all AU and UN staff were safe.
Earlier in December, at least six people were killed when al-Shabab attacked a UN convoy near the airport.Earlier in December, at least six people were killed when al-Shabab attacked a UN convoy near the airport.
Various armed groups have been battling for control of Somalia since the overthrow of President Siad Barre in 1991.Various armed groups have been battling for control of Somalia since the overthrow of President Siad Barre in 1991.