Mogadishu, Jul. 22, (dpa/GNA) – There were conflicting reports on Monday about recent attacks on three Somali army bases by the Islamist terrorist militia al-Shabaab as the group attempts to gain ground in the south of the country.

The Somali army said the attacks in the south were repelled, with the militants sustaining heavy losses among their ranks. By its count, at least 80 al-Shabaab fighters died, while only five Somali troops were killed.

A government spokesman put the al-Shabaab death toll even higher, at around 100.

Al-Shabaab, on the other hand, said via its propaganda radio outlet that 71 soldiers were killed.

The competing claims could not be independently verified.

The Somali government has been fighting the terrorist militia, which controls parts of central and northern Somalia, for years.

Al-Shabaab also frequently carries out suicide attacks in the capital Mogadishu. Most recently, the militia attacked a popular café during the UEFA Euro 2024 final, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries.

GNA