Mogadishu (SD) – The Somali Armed Forces Radio quoting Danab commandos of the Somali National Army claimed that more than 50 Al-Shabaab fighters were killed in a clash on Wednesday in Bulullow village under Afgoye.

Al-Shabaab’s chief of operations in the Middle Shabelle region, identified as Osman Fidow, was among those killed in the fighting, according to Somali military officials.

The Somali Army officials were also quoted as saying they had killed 50 Al Shabab militants in Wednesday’s clashes.

Al Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack and for killing 24 soldiers and taking many more hostage.

The fighting in Afgoye seemed to have been an ambush and senior officials have been killed on both sides.