Jihadists have attacked a navy base the place US troopers practice commandos in Somalia.
Local residents reported heavy blasts and gunfire at Baledogle airport within the southern Lower Shabelle area.
The al-Shabab militant group mentioned it had carried out the attack, utilizing a automotive bomb to blast by means of the gates earlier than sending its fighters inside.
Military officers say the jihadists had been repulsed with out breaching the perimeter fence.
No casualties had been reported among the many Somali navy.
In an announcement, US Ambassador Donald Yamamoto praised the Somali military for his or her “alertness and swift response”.
“This attack yet again demonstrates al-Shabab violently opposes progress towards peace and prosperity in Somalia,” he mentioned.
Al-Shabab mentioned in an announcement it had launched the raid, including: “After breaching the edges of the closely fortified base, the mujahideen [holy warriors] stormed the navy advanced, partaking the crusaders in an intense firefight.”
The base, about 100km (60 miles) west of the capital Mogadishu, is alleged to deal with US particular forces, Somali particular forces and Ugandan peacekeepers. It is used as a launch web site for US drones in addition to being a training centre.