... Somalia's version of the Taliban, functioning as an arm of al-Qaeda...launched a heavy attack on villages in the Lower Shabelle region, local sources reported.
The assault took place late last night, with al-Shabaab murderous Moslems targeting government military posts and civilian areas, according to the villagers, speaking to Radio Shabelle.
Government forces and military personnel attempted to repel the attackers, but there were casualties on both sides, with the exact number of victims still being confirmed.
In recent weeks, al-Shabaab has been intensifying its attacks in southern Somalia, particularly in regions under the control of the federal government, in an effort to disrupt security progress.