The base is run by Danab, a unit of US-trained commandos who have taken part in assaults against the militants.
Abdullahi said, “So far we know that the deputy commander of the Danab commando force, Major Hassan Mohammad Osman (Ture), and four others were killed.”
In a statement Al Shabaab claimed responsibility, saying that it “miraculously overcame US-trained forces” in the city and killed hundreds of soldiers.
The group has been fighting since 2006 to topple the country’s central government and establish its own rule based on a strict interpretation of Islam.
Abdullahi said drones deployed to help reinforce the army carried out bombing raids against the militants and drove them out of the city. Ten rebels were killed in the operation.