Reports reaching us from Qoryoole town in lower Shabeele region indicate that Al-Shabaab fighters attacked government forces and AMISOM bases in the town. Locals told the media the militants raided a local government forces base leading to a fierce gun battle that lasted for hours. The forces however managed to repulse the attackers. Local administrator Mohamed Haji Osman, who spoke to the media from Mogadishu, condemned the attack while at the same time congratulating the government forces for keeping the militants at bay. He confirmed four deaths from both sides but locals say the death toll could rise as the scene of attack was a no go zone. Al-Shabaab looks re-energized as they have recently intensified attacks on government forces and AMISOM bases in the country.