MOGADISHU, Somalia – An official says militants have attacked an army post in northeastern Somalia, killing 12 soldiers in one of the deadliest attacks in recent months by the al-Qaida-linked group.
The attack occurred in Galgala Mountains, in the semiautonomous Puntland region, where al-Shabab militants are trying to expand their influence.
A Puntland official, who insisted on anonymity because he is not authorized to speak with the press, said Wednesday that militants attacked the post and blew up a roadside bomb on Tuesday night, killing the soldiers.
Al-Shabab militants have been pushed out of their key strongholds in southern and central Somalia by African Union forces. The Somali government says the militants are consolidating in Galgala.