MOGADISHU – At least 5 people have been killed and 7 others injured when a fierce gun battle broke out between Galmudug State military forces and Al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab.
The fighting flared up at Yayale area, some 40km east of Guriel town after Galmudug military forces launched an attack on small villages held by Al Shabaab insurgents.
Aisha Mohamed, a local resident said the fighting killed 5 people, mostly civilians as the clash reportedly intensified on Monday after heavily armed Al Shabaab took control of Yayale area.
Mohamed says the Galmudug regional forces were re-grouping to re-capture the area from the Islamist group as the battle was ongoing.
Neither Galmudug State officials nor Al Shabaab has commented on latest clashes in central Somalia.
Last week, at least 10 people, mainly combatants were killed in fighting between Galmudug State military forces and Al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab.
