UPDATE - Militants 'attack Somalia AU base'

Al-Shabab militants have launched an attack on the main African Union military base near Mogadishu airport in Somalia.

Explosions and gunfire could be heard in the vicinity, AU spokesman Colonel Ali Houmed told AFP.

Al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the attack and says its fighters are inside the base.

The African Union has over 20,000 troops in the country to help the weak government battle al-Shabab.

Source: BBC