MOGADISHU, Dec. 25 -- At least ten terrorists on Thursday were killed and two others were captured alive when they attacked AMISOM Headquarter in Mogadishu, State Radio reported on Thursday evening.

Al-Shabaab militants attacked the main base of the African Union peacekeeping force known as AMISOM in Mogadishu on Thursday, with explosion and gunfire heard inside the base.

"Explosion and gunfire were heard inside the AMISOM base, as fighters attacked the place," an eyewitness told Xinhua.

Al-Shabaab spokesman Abdulaziz Abu Musab confirmed the attack, saying its fighters have entered the base by force and carried out attacks.

AMISOM spokesman Colonel Ali Houmed confirmed the attack of AMISOM bases in Mogadishu. "Terrorists attacked AMISOM base in Mogadishu today, but our forces defended them from the attackers," said Houmed.

Houmed added that the investigation still going on and details will be given later.

"We strongly condemn terrorists attack on AMISOM base in Mogadishu and encourage AMISOM to continue their support to Somali government and its people," said Ridwan Haji, Spokesman for Somali government.

Halane base, which is part of Adan Ade International Airport in the Somalia capital, hosts the UN's local headquarters, AMISOM's main command center and several western embassies.

The heavily fortified base is one of the few secure areas in the recuperating city.

UN special representative in the country Nicholas Kay has condemned the attack. "I condemn attack on Mogadishu airport base. Terrorists will not stop Somalia rising."

The Al-Shabaab militant group has carried out hit-and-run attacks targeting government installations and AMISOM peacekeeping troops, since it was pushed out of the capital Mogadishu and several key strategic towns in south and central Somalia.