MOGADISHU
The Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab movement have reportedly overrun some areas in the Lower Shebelle Region in southern Somalia after clashes with government troops.
According to eyewitnesses, Al-Shabaab militants seized control of two villages and another area in Lower Shebelle Region after "limited" clashes with the government troops.
No information is yet available about casualties.
However, an eyewitness said that two soldiers were seen lying on the ground in one of the village following the clashes.
A pro-Al-Shabaab radio claimed, meanwhile, that the group had killed ten government troops and seized some military equipment in the attack.
Somali authorities have yet to comment on the report.
Al-Shabaab, which is waging a years-long insurgency against the Somali government, had for years controlled much of central and southern Somalia.
Recently, however, the group has lost ground to the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) working in coordination with Somali army troops.
Nevertheless, the group has continued to carry out regular attacks on government officials and security personnel.
Somalia has remained in turmoil since the ouster of President Siad Barre in 1991.
