AMISOM repels al-Shabaab attack in southern Somalia

Africa Union peace keeping mission in Somalia (AMISOM) forces repulsed Al-Shabaab fighters who attempted to recaptured government bases in southern region.

According Somali military officials in Bulamarer town of Lower Shabelle, the forces from Ugandan military successfully repulsed the militants on the early hours.

Heavily armed al-Shabaab fighters have stormed but AU troops managed to ward off al-Shabaab.

The officials said group fighters were unable to take on AMISOM forces and suffered massive defeat.

So far there had been no casualties reported but al-Shabaab claimed the responsibility for the attack.

African Union forces have been fighting al-Shabaab for more than a decade.

The batch of the AU forces deployed in country in 2007 to support the then transitional federal government of Somalia.

Forces initially contributed by Uganda and Burundi succeeded to dislodge al-Shabaab fighters from Mogadishu in 2011.

continental Intergovernmental organization increased the number of troops in the horn of Africa nation following year. Thousands of troops from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya were stationed in different parts of the country to intensify the operations against al-Shabaab.

The revival of Somali military and support of AMISOM troops have weakened and pushed them remote areas.

Al-Shabaab then opted to carry out hit and run attacks targeting Somali military and AU forces in central and southern Somalia.

The group also carries out IED attacks on major towns including capital city, Mogadishu.