Al-Shabaab militants launched yet another deadly attack against security forces in the neighbouring Somalia, just two days after yet another attack at an army camp near Mogadishu.
In Thursday's early morning attack at Abdalla Birole army base, Garowe Online reports, several people among them civilians and Jubaland forces are feared dead.
The attack took place near the closely guarded sea port city of Kismayo, which is largely under the surveillance of Kenya Defense Forces in AMISOM.
Authorities in Jubaland state are yet to officially confirm the latest onslaught against security forces, in one of most stable state within the troubled Somalia.
"Several feared dead after al-Qaeda-inspired Al-Shabab extremists launched an offensive against Jubaland army base in Abdalla Birole, outside Kismayo city, south of Somalia," reports indicated.
Coincidentally, the attack came in the midst of strained relationship between Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe and President Mohammed Farmaajo.
Madobe, who was elected in August in a controversial poll that was endorsed by Kenya, suspended his inauguration which was slated for Thursday (today). His decision came after Mogadishu cancelled all flights to Kismayo Airport.
Kenya endorsed Madobe's victory, a move that was criticised by President Farmaajo. Since then, he imposed sanctions on Jubbaland, a move seen as retaliation against KDF.
On Monday, another army base was raided by the militants in the outskirts of Mogadishu with reports indicating that over 23 SNA officers were killed.
The assault began when a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden car into the base in El Salini, 60 kilometres (37 miles) southwest of Mogadishu, at around 5:30 am local time, Al-Shabaab said.
A local elder, Ahmed Cali, told Reuters he had been woken by the sound of a huge blast followed by gunfire. He said that later Al-Shabaab fighters were seen leaving the base, some in trucks loaded with ammunition.
“A mujahid driving a suicide car bomb first hit the base and then armed mujahideen stormed the base, we killed 23 military soldiers,” said Abdiasis Abu Musab, Al Shabaab’s military operations spokesman.
He added the fighters had taken military vehicles and weapons from the base, including anti-aircraft guns.
It's not the first time the militants are attacking a military base. In 2016, at least 200 KDF soldiers were killed at El Adde. A year later, KDF also lost over 70 soldiers at Kulbiyow.