Al-Shabaab attacks Somalian AU base

Somalian militant group Al Shabaab on Friday attacked an African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) military base in the country's Lower Shebelle region.

Lower Shebelle Mayor, Abdulkadir Nor Sidi, said the attack in Lego district saw a suicide bomber blow up his car at the gate of the base, leading to a fierce gun battle.

"There are many casualties among the warring parties and this is the fiercest battle. Both sides are still fighting and we will know more later," Sidi told Xinhua.

Al-Shabaab, which reportedly vowed to step up attacks on government bases during the holy month of Ramadan, later claimed responsibility for the attack.

On Wednesday, at least 14 people were killed and five injured in a roadside car bomb explosion here targeting diplomats from the United Arab Emirates.