The Somali army says it has killed at least 13 Al-Shabaab in central Somalia's Hiraan region in a fighting backed by the Africa Union (AU) peacekeepers.

Somali Army Commander Mohamed Omar said a fierce fight took place between the two sides in an area close to Eldheer areas, 25Kms west Beledweyne town on Friday.

 

"We killed 13 Al-Shabaab fighters."We are now in full control of the area," Omar told journalists.

 

Al-Shabaab has been fighting against the Somali government and spread their attacks to neighbouring Kenya, causing heavy civilian casualties in the two countries.

 

The Anti peace Al Shabab has lost many strategic towns in southern and central Somalia after the government and AU launched operations against them.