Nine Al-Shabaab dead and more than five were injured on Monday night following a heavy gun battle outside Qoyolay town located in lower Shabelle region of southern Somali.

Officials said Al shabab attempted to capture the town guarded by Somalia national and African Union troops when the fighting ensued.

 

Spokesman of Lower Shabelle region Mohammed Shino told to SNA Radio that attempts by Al-Shabaab to capture Qoyolay town failed to materialize thanks to stiff resistance from Somalia government and African Union troops.

 

"There was heavy gun fire when Al-Shabaab attempted to recapture Qoyolay town from government and African Union forces.

Mr Shino noted that they will continue the operation until they will secure the country.