MOGADISHU (SD) – Al-Shabaab forces launched a deadly attack early this morning on a government forces base in the Hawadley area of the Middle Shabelle region.

A battle using various weapons took place between the two sides, with Al-Shabaab claiming that 21 soldiers, including military officers, were killed in the attack.

There are no independent reports verifying Al-Shabaab’s claim, and communication in the area has been cut off, believed to be deliberately severed by Al-Shabaab before the attack.

Al-Shabaab also claimed to have captured soldiers and seized military equipment and weapons. Meanwhile, there has been no official statement from government forces regarding the battle.

The exact casualties from this attack are not yet known. Nearly two years ago, a similar attack occurred in the Hawadley area, which falls under the Bal’ ad district, resulting in the death of Colonel Abshir Mahamoud Mohamed (Shataqey), the Commander of the 3rd Division of the Somali National Army, along with other soldiers.