Somalia army battles with Al Shabab in Gedo, Ahlu Sunna Central regions

(MENAFN- SomTribune) Deadly battle broke out between Somalia National Army and Al Shabab militants near Bardhere town and other parts of south Somalia's Gedo region.

The battle erupted when Al Shabab militants launched a surprise attack on armored vehicle with government soldiers near Bardhere town in Gedo region where it is under control of militants.

The clashes left dozens of people including soldiers and militants dead, a resident who asked to be anonymous for security reasons, has told Shabelle Media based in Mogadishu.

Somalia's military forces' commander, Daahir Khaliif told Shabelle Media that its forces were ambushed by the militants, adding that government troops had repulsed the raid.

Daahir Khaliif added that Somalia army killed dozens of Al Shabab militants and destroyed battle-wagon during the skirmishes.

He stressed that government troops had captured at least 10 people in connection with Al Qaeda linked Al Shabab insurgents shortly after the battle.

Al Shabab was unavailable to reach on the phone for comment on the military's claims. In a related news item, Shabelle Media reports that at least one person has been killed and 3 others have also injured in a heavy battle between two co-living clans near Harardhere town in central Somalia's Mudug region, residents said.

The fighting flared up when heavily armed militias launched deadly attack on bases manned by another group in Hanro area, just 50Km west of Harardhere town, killing at least 1 person and injured 3 others.

The both armed militias are fighting for control of Hanro area, a resident who asked to be anonymous for reprisal attack, has told Shabelle Media based in Mogadishu.

Shabelle Media contacted to elders who were making negotiation through the armed militias, have accused them of breaking the negotiation and peace agreements that had been signed before.

Heavy sporadic gunfire could be heard in the town, another resident who wanted to be unnamed for security reason, has told Shabelle Media based in Mogadishu via phone from Harardhere town in central Somalia.

The local elders who are trying to cease the fire, called on both warriors to come to an end the hostilities among them in a bid to restore peace and stability in the town of Harardhere.

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