Somalia: Al Shabaab Battle Govt Forces

Qansah Dhere — Somali forces battled with Al Shabaab insurgents in the town of Qansah Dhere located in the region Bay, Garowe Online reports.

At least 15 people were killed in the battle that lasted for many hours, according to local sources.

The clashes sparked after Al Shabaab militants ambushed Somali forces stationed in the town of Qansah Dhere.

Witnesses said that the Al Shabaab agents covered their faces and could be seen all around the town in technical vehicles while they conducted their attack.

According to Bay region Governor, Abdifatah Hasan Gesey, the ambush by Al Shabaab insurgents was a failure for the terrorist network as Somali forces repelled the attack.

"This morning Al Shabaab agents attacked the town of Qansah Dhere, and truthfully this was a big defeat for the group, as Somali forces fended off the attack," said Governor Gesey, adding," The bodies of Al Shabaab agents covered the streets of Qansah Dhere."

The Mayor of Qansah Dhere, Adan Abdi Adan said that the Somali forces killed 13 Al Shabaab agents and that only 2 government soldiers were killed in the battle.

Al Shabaab media stated that they had achieved their goal which was to attack Somali forces in the town and retreat.

Al Shabaab had been forced out of Bay region as Somali troops backed by Ethiopian forces liberated the region of the terrorist network.