MOGADISHU, June 18 (Xinhua) -- At least seven militants were killed and five others arrested in heavy fighting between Somali National Army backed by the African Union peacekeeping forces and Al-Shabaab militants late on Friday in southern Somalia.
Somali government army official, Ali Digaal confirmed the fighting on Saturday which occurred at an area close to Barowe town in Lower Shabelle region.
Digaal told reporters that the fighting came after the militants attempted to ambush the joint forces who were heading to the port town of Barawe.
"The militants blew up landmine along the way before the troops had passed. There were no casualties but the fighting later broke out and we killed 7 of the militants and captured five others during the battle," said Digaal who was accompanying the convoy.
He added that the suspects will appear before the justice.
However, Al-Shabaab militants claimed victory, saying they burnt three armoured AMISOM vehicles in the ambush.
The joint forces have intensified their onslaught on Al-Shabaab militants in several areas around Mogadishu and southern parts of the Horn of Africa nation.
