Mogadishu, Sep 1 (IANS): Fighters from the Al Shabab Islamist militant group on Tuesday attacked an African Union (AU) military base in southern Somalia, inflicting heavy casualties.
The Islamist militants said they have at least killed 70 AU soldiers at the Janale base, 90km (55 miles) south-east of the capital Mogadishu.
However, official reports have not provided details of the number of casualties, EFE news reported.
The attack took place hen the terrorists detonated a car bomb at the base and then entered the premises, where Ugandan soldiers are based, officials said.
Following clashes between the AU troops and militants, the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) regained control of the base.
"AMISOM can confirm that the base is still under AMISOM control. Reports that the base has been taken over and our weapons captured are false," AMISOM tweeted.