Al Shabaab fighters have clashed with Somali troops and allied forces for control of a strategic army base in central Somalia.
The base in Wargaadhi town, Middle Shabelle region, is crucial as it houses soldiers, special forces, and clan fighters, and is near a key road connecting the capital Mogadishu to Galmudug State.
Al Shabaab claimed to have captured the base and town, while the government denied this, saying its forces killed over 40 jihadists in the attack.
A military official reported fierce fighting, with both sides suffering casualties. The situation remains unclear as Reuters could not independently verify the claims.
The fighting is part of Al Shabaab’s recent offensive, which has raised concerns about the security situation in Somalia.
The group’s advances have prompted fears that it could target Mogadishu.
The future of international security support to Somalia is uncertain, with funding for a new African Union peacekeeping mission hanging in the balance.
