JOWHAR (SD) – At least 10 people have been killed and over 20 others sustained injuries after fierce fighting between the government forces and militias flared up in Jowhar town, north of Somali capital.

The fighting broke out after heavily armed clan militias known as Ma’wisley stormed a security checkpoint in north of the town, prompting hours long clashes.

Officials who spoke to the media said the regional forces backed by the federal government forces have defeated the militias who attempted to free members arrested by security forces.

Among those killed in the attack are civilians who were hit stray bullets.

Meanwhile, six soldiers were killed and several others wounded after their vehicle was hit by IED suspected to have been planted on the road in Jowhar town.

Mohamed Qelshe, Head of the bodyguards of the Middle Shabelle region governor was among those died in the attack.

Al-Shabaab militant group has claimed the responsibility for the attack.

The militant group carries out deadly IED attacks in Middle Shabeelle region. Al-Shabaab controls number of villages and town in the region.