At least 21 killed as Somalia military battles Al-Shabab terrorists in remote area

SMA NEWS – MOGADISHU
Somalia’s military repulsed an attack by jihadi fighters in a remote region of the country early Saturday, killing at least 18 of the Al-Shabab militants, according to a top army official.
At least three civilians described as “traditional elders” were killed in the fighting near Masagaway town, Gen. Mohamed Ahmed Taredisho said by phone.
Masagaway is located in the central region of Galgadud and home to a military base. Resident Yusuf Sheikh said that militants overran the base, confiscated weapons and burned battle wagons during the attack.
“It was early in the morning, and (Al-Shabab) completely took over the whole town, including the military base, forcing the government forces out of the town,” he said.
Sheikh said several people were killed in the attack and others were missing.
Al-Shabab, which has ties with Al-Qaeda, opposes the Somali federal government in Mogadishu, the capital.
The group intensified attacks on military bases in recent months after it lost control of territories in rural areas to government forces.