Somali army engage in a fierce gunfight with Al-Shabaab militants

[Deeq A.]

A local official says Somali troops have engaged in a gunfight with militants belonging to Al-Shabaab, the Al-Qaeda ally in the conflict-riddled Horn of Africa country.

The clash broke out after troops on security patrol came under the Al-Shabaab attack near the newly recovered Barire town located in Lower Shabelle region, according to the official.

The official who spoke to Radio Shabelle over the phone on condition of anonymity said both sides have suffered casualties during the battle that raged on for several hours.

Al-Shabaab has intensified attacks on SNA-controlled areas in the region as the militant group faces increasing US military airstrikes in the south and central Somalia.

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