Somali troops clash with Al Shabaab

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MOGADISHU, Somalia – A heavy fighting broke out between the US-backed forces known as ‘Danab’ and al Shabaab militants in Barire town, some 60km west of Mogadishu.

The fighting erupted on Monday in Barire town after al Shabaab militants armed with machine-guns and RPGs launched an attack on military bases.

Heavy weaponry could be heard during the battle, a witness said.

He says heavily armed militants carried out the attack, triggering fierce fighting.

It is unclear how many were killed in the gun battle.

Neither Somali military nor al Shabaab commented on the latest clash.

Monday’s fighting comes as were killed after an explosive, they were setting up detonated prematurely in the town.

Bariire is an agricultural-rich town lies about 60km west of Somali capital, Mogadishu.

Last month, Somali army and African Union troops seized Barire town from al Shabaab after a brief gunfight.

The town was serving as a key transit point for Al-Shabaab fighters who frequently crossed over from southern regions.

Al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda-linked group, has been fighting for more than ten years to overthrow the weak UN-backed government in Somalia