Heavy fighting erupts between Somalia forces and Alshabab on outskirts of Beledweyne

A heavy fighting between the federal government forces of Somalia alongside local militia and Alshabab fighters reportedly occurred on the outskirts of Beledweyne, the administrative city of Somalia’s Hiiraan region.

Both sides did not disclose if there were casualties. But, residents told the local media they heard powerful weapons and two extreme blasts and couldn’t confirm whether it was a suicide attack. They also reported some of the residents immediately fled from the scene.

However, the skirmish came barely a few days after Somalia’s Ministry of information, culture and tourism confirmed the death of 40 Alshabab members in a joint operation carried out by the National intelligence agency and international partners.

Last week, the government also claimed that Alshabab has faced its greatest weakness and vacated many places since the anti Alshabab war started last year.