Over ten people killed in deadly clash in Afgooye

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Over ten people including officials have been killed in fierce fighting between Somali and African Union forces and Al-Shabaab fighters in agricultural town, Afgooye.

A suicide attacker rammed a bomb-laden car into a police station before the fighters stormed the town which lies 30km south west of the capital Mogadishu.

Police officer Abdukadir Ahmed told AFP news agency that at least 10 people, including civilians, had been killed as well as some of the attackers.

Residents said Al-Shabaab fighters deployed rocket launchers, mortars and heavy machine guns mounted on technical vehicles.

“After the explosion, Al-Shabaab fighters in over 11 military vehicles stormed the town and gunshots could be heard all over the town,” said a resident who sought anonymity.

People took cover in their homes as fighters appeared in parts of the town and clashed with Somali troops and African Union forces.

Al-Shabaab group has claimed responsibility for the latest deadly attack, which sent shock waves across the region.

Locals say Somali forces backed Au troops are controlling the town as Al-Shabaab withdrew.