MOGADISHU, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Somali and African Union forces on Friday recaptured Janale town and other key areas from Al-Shabaab militant group during a heavy fighting in lower Shabelle region southern Somalia, officials said.
Somali government army Col. Hassan Mohamed Abukar told reporters that the joint forces conducted successful operation in the region and liberated several locations including Janale town.
"We conducted successful operation in Lower Shabelle region, and recaptured Janale town and Mushani location, a stronghold of the militant group. There was resistance from the militants but we did not record any casualties so far," Abukar said.
He added the operation which was still underway will not stop until militants complete liberation from the whole region.
Al-Shabaab militants also claimed victory over the latest confrontation in the region, saying they killed some AU and Somali soldiers near Janale town earlier Friday.
