There were conflicting reports about how many have died in the attack which has now lasted for several hours
(Adds death toll claims by al Shabaab and AU spokesmen)
MOGADISHU, Dec 25 (Reuters) - Somali Islamist militants al Shabaab attacked the main African Union peacekeeping base in the capital Mogadishu on Thursday, killing 14 people, a spokesman for the group said.
There were conflicting reports about how many have died in the attack which has now lasted for several hours.
In the past, al Shabaab has exaggerated numbers while officials have played down losses.
"Our fighters have entered AU's Halane base by force through the gate and now fighting is going on inside the base," the spokesman said, adding 14 of the AU contingent had been killed.
AU spokesman Colonel Ali Houmed said it would provide an update later in the day on possible casualties and fatalities among AU troops but added that three al Shabaab gunmen have been killed and AU troops were seeking to overpower another three.
"They are hiding and we know where they are. We are surrounding them," said Houmed, who said the attack is expected to end swiftly.
The AU base is on the edge of the Mogadishu international airport compound, which has a tight security cordon and blast walls. It is also used as a base for U.N. operations in Somalia. The airport area also houses the British and Italian embassies.
Aleem Siddique, spokesman for the United Nations in Somalia, said all U.N. staff were safe and accounted for. (Reporting by Abdi Sheikh and Feisal Omar; Writing by Drazen Jorgic; Editing by Robin Pomeroy/Ruth Pitchford)
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