Al-Qaida associates Al-Shabaab on Monday released a daring statement after raiding one of the safest military bases in Somalia, taking responsibility.
The attack on Ballidogle military airbase comes just a week after two more military bases were raided by the militants, with over 30 SNA soldiers killed.
In the statement, the militants did not give reports on casualties, but claimed intensive fight was still going on in a military base manned by American troops.
"In early hours of Monday morning, an elite squad of Al-Shabaab launched a daring attack on US military base at Ballidogle Airport in Lower Shebelle," read the statement.
"After breaching perimeters of heavily fortified base, the brigade stormed the military complex, engaging crusaders in intense fight. Fighting is still going on."
Until now, the United States Air Force Africa is yet to issue statement over the attack. The AMISOM forces are also yet to confirm the latest raid.
Apparently, the attack comes days after both Somalia and US rejected Kenya's push at the United Nations to have Al-Shabaab listed as terrorists group.
Last week, Al-Shabaab militants Commander Ahmed Umar warned Kenya against the maritime border row. The commander also accused Britain and US of supporting Kenya on the matter.
The commander, who has been in the hideouts since 2016, hinted that Al-Shabaab may not be interested after all with ICJ ruling, an indication that they could forcefully occupy the waters.
"We are informing our Muslim nation that the Mujahideen will never accept, and are against any decision made by the so-called International Criminal Court," said Umar.
"We tell the world that we don't compromise on our oceans and we need our society to be aware that Kenya has already engulfed a large swathe of our territory before aiming for the maritime claim."
Al-Shabaab considers that part of north-eastern Kenya -- historically inhabited by ethnic Somalis -- should be returned to Somalia.
Since Kenyan forces deployed to Somalia in 2011, the Shabaab have carried out several deadly attacks on its soil, the latest on January 15 against an office complex housing the Dusit hotel, which left 21 dead.
Already, Majority Leader Aden Duale wants KDF troops deployed in the disputed Indian Ocean border, a move that could further heighten political differences between Nairobi and Mogadishu.