MARKA, Somalia -- At least 13 Al Shabaab militants have been reported dead in fierce clashes near Bakool regional capital of Hudur of southwestern Somalia on Monday morning, Garowe Online reports.Speaking on VOA Somali Service, the Governor of Bakool region Mohamed Abdi Tool said, Al Shabaab retaliated with raids on government forces and African Union troops.
"Al Shabaab men retaliated, heavy fighting yesterday occurred and following previous battles they launched attacks outside of Rabdhure and Garasweyne," Tool noted.
He stated that they lost four soldiers in fierce clash in Mooro Gaabey vicinity which lies 13km from Hudur.
According to Bakool governor, 13 Al Shabaab fighters were also killed while 8 soldiers from Somali National Army (SNA) and AMISOM sustained injuries. The allied forces dislodged Al Shabaab militants from a string of strategic towns in southern and central Somalia.