Somalia: Militants attack market in Mahaday, 1 killed

MAHADAY, Somalia - At least 1 person was killed and several injured when militants attacked government forces in Mahaday district of Middle Shabelle region on Friday, Garowe Online reports.

Local residents confirmed to GO that Somali troops engaged in a brief exchange of gunfire with Al Shabaab fighters who tried to infiltrate a busy livestock market in the southern strategic town.

One soldier has been confirmed dead in the Al Shabaab gun attack, with reports that civilians were among those killed, but the number still remains unclear.

Authorities said the soldiers came under ambush by armed militants while on duty for collecting tax from the livestock brought to the market for sale.

As the clash continued for minutes, military reinforcement forces were dispatched to the scene who have successfully driven the militants out of the marketplace, according to the eyewitnesses.

The Somali government has not yet released a statement regarding Friday's attack in Mahaday located about 120Km north of Mogadishu.

Islamist rebels have intensified their attacks against government-controlled towns in the south and central regions amid the African Union Mission to Somalia [AMISOM] force begins pulling out of the country by the end of this month.

GAROWE ONLINE