Mogadishu, Dec 26 (IANS): At least ten terrorists were killed and two others captured alive when they attacked AMISOM headquarters in Mogadishu.

Al-Shabaab militants attacked the main base of the African Union (AU) peacekeeping force known as AMISOM in Mogadishu Thursday, with explosions and gunfire heard inside the base.

"Explosions and gunfire were heard inside AMISOM base, as fighters attacked the place," an eyewitness told Xinhua.

Al-Shabaab spokesman Abdulaziz Abu Musab confirmed the attack, saying its fighters have entered the base by force and carried out attacks.

AMISOM spokesman Colonel Ali Houmed confirmed the attack of AMISOM base in Mogadishu. "Terrorists attacked AMISOM base in Mogadishu today, but our forces defended them from the attackers," said Houmed.

Houmed added that an investigation was still going on and details would be given later.

"We strongly condemn terrorists attack on AMISOM base in Mogadishu and encourage AMISOM to continue their support to the Somali government and its people," said Ridwan Haji, spokesman for the Somali government.

The Al-Shabaab militant group has carried out hit-and-run attacks targeting government installations and AMISOM peacekeeping troops, since it was pushed out of the capital Mogadishu and several key strategic towns in south and central Somalia.