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Both the Somali government and al-Qaeda-linked fighters have claimed more than 100 deaths on Friday since the government launched a major military offensive against militants in August.
In a statement, the government claimed that more than 100 al-Shabaab militants were killed after attacking a Somali military base in the village of Gargudud district of Garkad, which had recently been retaken from fighter control.
A government statement said seven soldiers, including officers from the U.S.-trained elite Danab Brigade, had been killed in “very violent attacks”, but claimed the military remained in control of the base. The government expressed its gratitude to the international allies who supported the fighting.
Al-Shabaab militant spokesman Sheikh Abu Musab claimed that more than 150 Somali soldiers and officers were killed.
Read also: Somalia: Deadly Shibab attack on military camp
Neither side’s claims could be independently verified, but Galcad resident Abukar Uluso told The Associated Press that a fierce firefight ensued.
“It was during the dawn prayers when we heard the explosion followed by gunshots,” Urso said. “Most of the deaths are from both sides, and civilian casualties are minimal because the attack took place inside an army base.”
The Somali government last year declared “total war” against al-Shabaab. The militant group has thousands of fighters, has long held parts of central and southern Somalia, and frequently carries out high-profile attacks in the capital, Mogadishu.
In recent months, the government has claimed success in recapturing many communities during what has been described as the deadliest offensive in more than a decade. Security analysts warn that holding the territory will be difficult.
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