Somali militants attack African Union base south of capital

Mogadishu: Somali al Shabaab militants fought a gunbattle with African Union troops after ramming a car laden with explosives into their base south of the capital Mogadishu early on Friday, military officials and a spokesman for the group said.

The dawn attack in Leego - along the main road connecting Mogadishu and the city of Baidoa - came as residents gathered for morning prayers.