Shock as Terrorists mount deadly attack on African Union base, kill 170 soldiers

The Somali Islamist militant group, al-Shabab has said in a statement that it had killed more than 170 Burundian soldiers who were in Somalia as part of an African Union (AU) force.

It has also said that it has taken complete control of the AU base where they were stationed, which is more than 100km (62 miles) north-east of the capital, Mogadishu.

The claims have not been independently confirmed.

There were reports of heavy gunfire following the pre-dawn raid and eyewitnesses said they had seen weapons being fired from helicopters.

The jihadist group frequently carries out bombings and gun attacks as part of its war against Somalia’s central government.  (Courtesy, excluding headline, BBC)