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Somalia: African Union troops fight off al-Shabab attack Somalia: African Union troops killed in al-Shabab attack
(about 7 hours later)
African Union troops in Somalia have fought off an attack by al-Shabab militants on its military base near Mogadishu's international airport. The African Union (AU) force in Somalia says three of its peacekeepers and a civilian contractor have been killed in an attack on its headquarters in the capital, Mogadishu.
The AU mission (Amisom) said its troops regained control of the base after killing all of the militants. An AU statement said al-Shabab gunmen had entered the base disguised as Somali government troops.
It said three of its soldiers and one civilian were injured in the fighting, which went on for several hours. It said five attackers were killed and several others captured.
The African Union has over 20,000 troops in the country to help the weak government battle al-Shabab.The African Union has over 20,000 troops in the country to help the weak government battle al-Shabab.
Al-Shabab confirmed it had launched an attack on the base. Spokesman Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab said its fighters had breached the compound's defences. The peacekeeping force, known as Amisom, said its troops had regained control of the base in Mogadishu after a gunfight that lasted several hours.
"Our fighters have entered AU's Halane base by force through the gate and now fighting is going on inside the base," he said. "Three Amisom soldiers and a civilian contractor unfortunately lost their lives," the AU said in a statement, having earlier said that three peacekeepers had been injured.
Earlier, al-Shabab spokesman Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab said its fighters had attacked the "headquarters of the foreign troops in Somalia".
After several hours of explosions and gunfire, Amisom tweeted that the base was "safe and under control".After several hours of explosions and gunfire, Amisom tweeted that the base was "safe and under control".
"The Amisom soldiers are commended for their gallant effort in controlling the situation," it added."The Amisom soldiers are commended for their gallant effort in controlling the situation," it added.
Amisom spokesman Col Ali Houmed told AP news agency that at least eight militants entered the base. Amisom spokesman Col Ali Houmed told AP news agency that at least eight militants had entered the base but one Western security source told AFP news agency there could have been as many as 20.
Three were shot dead and two blew themselves up, he said. Three are believed to have escaped.
The AU base is on the edge of the compound of Mogadishu's international airport.The AU base is on the edge of the compound of Mogadishu's international airport.
The base also hosts the British and Italian embassies and is used as the headquarters for United Nations operations in Somalia.The base also hosts the British and Italian embassies and is used as the headquarters for United Nations operations in Somalia.
Amisom said all AU and UN staff were safe.
Earlier in December, at least six people were killed when al-Shabab attacked a UN convoy near the airport.Earlier in December, at least six people were killed when al-Shabab attacked a UN convoy near the airport.
Various armed groups have been battling for control of Somalia since the overthrow of President Siad Barre in 1991.Various armed groups have been battling for control of Somalia since the overthrow of President Siad Barre in 1991.