(MENAFN) An officer confirmed the death of two government officials by al-Shabab militants on Wednesday during an ambush in the outskirts of Bal'ad town in the southern Middle Shabelle region.

According to an officer who asked to remain unknown, the militants launched an attack in Adayga village and there was an exchange of fire between the army and the militants.

The officer said, adding that government soldiers are now chasing the attackers "Abdullahi Hassan Haji, the district chief and his deputy Elmi Qoje Hassan died in the gunfight and the militants withdrew from the town,"

"Some hooded men attacked the village targeting the district chief's house; we could hear the sound of fire. People said the chief and his deputy were killed in the attack," Garad Dhaqane, a resident told Xinhua via phone.

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