MOGADISHU (SD) – Somali military has displayed five bodies of al-Shabaab militants killed following heavy fighting with Somali forces on the outskirts of Hudur, a strategic regional capital of Bakool region.

Speaking to rhe media, the commander of 9th battalion of SNA’s Sector 60, lieutenant Colonel Ali Ibrahim Habat said five militants were killed and six other wounded in fierce fighting on the outskirts of Hudur town.

“Al-Shabaab attempted to attack the town but our forces who were alert had respondent and the fought the militants. The fighting was ongoing for hours. The our boys successfully drove the militants out of the town,” he said.

In March 2014, Somali forces backed by Ethiopian troops had seized Hudur,  a strategic regional capital following fierce fighting with Al-Shabaab fighters.

The town had been under siege for the last seven years. Thee main supply routes to and from this provincial capital in south-west Somalia have by blocked and controlled by Al Shabaab. 

The group still launches attacks on the government forces in the town and villages surrounding Hudur town.

Meanwhile, al-Shabaab had lost many towns in central and southern Somalia following fierce fighting with Somali national army (SNA) backed by Amisom.