Al-Shabaab fighters have attacked Adan Yabaal, a town in central Somalia, which government forces have been using as a staging area to drive back the militants.
The town, located about 245 kilometers north of Mogadishu, has been a key base for raids on Al Shabaab.
Residents reported hearing explosions and gunfire, with conflicting accounts emerging on the battle’s outcome.
Government forces claim to have pushed back the militants, while Al Shabaab says it has overrun 10 military installations and captured the town.
The attack is part of Al Shabaab’s ongoing offensive, which has seen the group gain ground in recent weeks, sparking fears of a potential attack on the capital, and coincides with uncertainty over international security support to Somalia.
