BARDHERE— Nearly 10 soldiers were killed and several others wounded in an Al-Shabaab attack on a military training camp in Baardheere district, Gedo region, according to local reports.

The attack began with artillery fire targeting a camp where newly recruited federal government forces were being trained. The shelling reportedly caused casualties among the troops at the facility.

Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack, although the reported number of casualties has not been independently verified.

The Somali National Army command has yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

The attack comes amid intensified military efforts against Al-Shabaab in Gedo. Somali Army Ground Forces Commander General Sahal had been in Baardheere in recent days as part of efforts to strengthen ongoing operations against the militant group in the region.

Bardhere and other parts of Gedo have remained key areas of military activity as government forces seek to expand security operations against Al-Shabaab.