MOGADISHU (SD) – Thousands of people have fled their homes after fierce fighting between Somali military and Al-Shabaab fighters in a small town in central Somalia, UN confirmed.

Early Sunday, heavily armed al-Shabaab fighters stormed a military base in Wisil town located in northwest of the port town of Hobyo town, which is approximately 857 kilometers (532 miles) from Mogadishu.

The attack reportedly began with a suicide attack to breach the walls of the base.

In a statement, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said clashes killed score of people mostly civilians.

“Reports from Galmudug indicate that thousands of people were displaced by violence in Wisil town, Hobyo district and arrived at Xero Dagaxley, Hobyo & Galkaacyo. Scores of civilians killed or injured. @OCHASom urges parties to conflict in Somalia to respect & protect civilians,” the agency said.

In a statement posted on its affiliate media, al-Shabaab claimed have killed more than 34 Somali soldiers in fighting.

Al-Shabaab which is an al-Qaeda affiliate has been carrying out attacks on military bases belonging to SNA and Amisom forces.

The group lost many towns including the capital after clashes with Somali army backed by Amisom forces.

Currently, the militants control dozens of small towns and villages in south and central Somalia.