Islamist rebels attack Somali airfield

Mogadishu: Islamist rebels took control of Somalia's biggest military airfield during a brief raid on Friday, an Islamist commander said.

Witnesses said the rebels also looted weapons during the attack in Baledogle, in which at least three soldiers were killed.

"They seized the airport and killed three soldiers. We saw them taking government weapons with them and burning two battlewagons," said resident Ali Aded Diriye.

Muktar Ali Robow, leader of the Al Shabab militia, told a local radio station his forces also captured government troops during the raid.

Robow said the captives were later released.