Addis Ababa 16 May 2015 (WIC) - The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) would like to confirm that a group of Al Shabaab militants, who attempted to capture two government bases in the Lower Shabelle region in the early hours of Friday, were effectively repulsed and are now on the run.

AMISOM Sector One Commander, Brigadier General Sam Kavuma says the militants attempted an attack on Awddhegle and Mubarak towns but were overpowered by government forces. “The already weakened militia were unable to take on the government forces and suffered massive defeat,” said Brig. Gen Kavuma.

He added, “The militants are desperately looking for operational bases after being pushed out of all their strongholds.”

According to a press release AMISOM sent to WIC, the two towns are located approximately 75 kilometres west of the Somali capital, Mogadishu.