...
the personification of Somali state failure...fighters in Middle Shabelle region.
Reports say the fighting flared up after heavily armed fighters stormed checkpoint in the south of Jowhar town.
The attack which shattered months of relative peace in the town took place just a few meters away from the presidential palace of Hirshabelle state.
Relative calm has returned to State’s administrative after last night’s attack on the town by the fighters.
Both Hirshabelle and al-Shabaab have not commented on the attack in Jowhar town.
The latest attack comes on the heel of coordinated security operations by Somali forces against al-Shabaab.
Last Saturday, Somali forces killed six al-Shabaab suspected fighters following heavy fighting between the sides.
Despite the loss of many towns to Somali forces backed by continental troops, al-Shabaab struggles to overthrow the Somali government.