MOGADISHU (Halbeeg News) – At least seven people were killed and unknown number injured in clashes between local fighters and al-Shabaab militants in north of Somali capital, Mogadishu.
Mohamed Abdi Osman, a military official in Jowhar town confirmed the clashes, saying four al-Shabab fighters and three local fighters in Yaqbariweyne and Kabhirig villages.
“The terrorist group attacked the villages controlled by the local fighters, prompting heavy clashes which led deaths and displacement but the areas are still under the control of the locals,” he said.
He added that it is believed that many other al-Shabab fighters escaped with bullet wounds.
Security forces from Jowhar also reportedly backed the locals in clashes with the fighters in the villages.
Witnesses say the fighting which Thursday midday went into midnight, displacing dozens of villagers.
Civilians have rarely resisted al-Shabab, which carries out executions to impose its authority.
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