MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – At least three people were killed in an overnight fighting between African Union peacekeepers backing Somali government troops and Al-Shabaab militants in the town of Baladwayne in central Somalia’s Hiran region.
Militants attacked bases housing allied forces inside the restive town on Wednesday night, triggering a heavy gunfight that lasted for hours.
Loud exchange of gunfire and mortar explosions were heard overnight throughout the night, residents say.
At least three young boys died after mortar shells exchanged by both sides struck their home in the Howlwadag district of Baladwayne, according to local media.
Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the overnight attacks on military bases in Baladwayne via its Andalus Radio station.
The assault came after Djibouti’s African Union troops and regional forces said they had carried out an operation aimed at improving security on the outskirts of the town on Wednesday.
Militants also launched a separate attack on AU military bases in the nearby town of Buloburde in Hiran region. There were no reports of casualties on civilians in an ensuing gun battle.
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