Somalia: AU forces clash with Al-Shabaab

[Deeq A.]

MOGADISHU, Somalia (Caasimada Online) — Heavy fighting broke out on Thursday between African Union peacekeeping forces and Al-Shabaab fighters in south of Somalia.

The fighting flared up in Golweyn area, some 120km south of Mogadishu, after Al-Shabaab militants armed with RPGs and machine guns attacked on a supply convoy of African Union forces, a witness said.

He says the ambush attack triggered a fierce fighting between Al-Shabaab militants and Ugandan peacekeeping soldiers.

The convoy of Ugandan soldiers was ambushed while carrying military supplies.

He said an African Union personnel carrier was destroyed in roadside bomb explosion during the skirmish.

It remains unknown how many people were killed in the fighting.

There was no immediate comment from AU peacekeeping mission over the latest surprise assault in Golweyn area, about 120km south of Somali capital Mogadishu.

Last year, 18 AU troops were killed in a deadly Al-Shabaab ambush attack in Golweyn area, targeting a supply convoy of 24 vehicles, while heading to Ugandan forces’ camp near the town.

However, Al-Shabaab, which once controlled much of Somalia, wants to topple the western-backed government in Mogadishu.

Caasimada Online

Mogadishu News Desk

Caasimada@live.com