MOGADISHU (SD) – At least 11 people including Somali soldiers were killed and several others sustained after heavy clashes between Somali military and al-Shabaab on Tuesday evening in southern Somalia.

Ali Mohamed Mohamoud, SNA’s 43rd commander said Somali military neutralised eight al-Shabaab fighters during a security operations in Korey village near Bardhere town in Gedo town.

“We have killed eight militants and recovered weapons after our forces raided al-Shabaab controlled base,” he said.

According to the commanders, among the fighters killed include the militants’ operational commander in Bardhere town named Zakarie Sheikh.

In a separate attack, three soldiers were killed and four others wounded after SNA reinforcement convoy from Bardhere town was ambushed.

Among those injured is major Mohamed Dhere who was leading reinforcement forces to the village of Korey.

Al-Shabaab this week intensified its attacks against SNA and AMISOM troops in southern Somalia.

Over ten Kenya soldiers were killed this week after IEDs suspected to have been planted on roadsides by al-Shabaab, hit military convoys in Lower Jubba region.