Mogadishu, (Reuters) – Rebels from the Islamist al Shabaab group attacked a military base in southern Somalia early on Monday, killing at least 10 soldiers and burning two military vehicles, officials said.

African Union and Somali troops launched an offensive this year that has driven al Shabaab out of its last major strongholds. Monday’s attack highlights the challenge of halting guerrilla-style raids by the al Qaeda-aligned group.

“Al Shabaab attacked our military forces at 3 a.m.” in the Lower Shabelle region, Somali military officer Aden Nur told Reuters.

Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab, Al Shabaab’s military spokesman, said the group was behind the attack and said 14 Somali soldiers had been killed and three vehicles had been burned. Al Shabaab often cites a higher death toll than the number given by officials.

(This story corrects first sentence to say two, not three, vehicles burned, acording to officials)

(Reporting by Abdi Sheikh and Feisal Omar; Writing by Edith Honan; Editing by Edmund Blair and Kevin Liffey)

Source: Reuters