Wednesday February 19, 2020
MOGADISHU (HOL) - Somali security forces killed five Al-Shabaab extremists on Wednesday in a fierce fight in Qoryoley town in the southern region of Lower Shabelle, a military officer confirmed.
“The militants drove two cars packed with explosives to the army base but the army them before they reached their target and there was a fierce fight which lasted many hours" Aden said.
"We killed five Al-Shabaab militants during the fight and sporadic gun fire is still heard on the outskirts of the town" he added, noting one of the soldiers died in the clash while another one was injured.
Residents told Xinhua there was an intense clash in the town "After morning prayer, we heard a heavy blast followed by gun fire. Government forces in the town were attacked by Al-Shabaab militants but now the army is in the town and the militants are fighting outside of the town " Safi Ahmed, a resident told Xinhua via phone.
The attack came barely a day after Somali forces killed 12 Al-Shabaab militants in an operation in Wanlaweyn town in the same region.