At least 8 people, including a civilian were killed and unknown number injured in heavy fighting between Al-Shabab and Somali government troops in Mogadishu on Monday.

Officials from the both sides have claimed victory however; witnesses said AMISOM troops who were backing Somali government troops for shelled the rebel bases.

“The dead include Four Somali TFG troops, three Al-Shabab militias and a civilian while a number of others from both sides injured” witness told Garowe Online.

Somali government police commander Col Dahir Ali Farey told the reporters that they have killed 4 Al-Shabab militias with only one police man wounded.

An Al-Shabab officer told the media that his group has inflicted a resounding defeat to Somali troops, killing 12 policemen and capturing the military base.

The embattled Somali troops, who recently finished trainings in neighbouring, were deployed in Kabka military industry at Industrial Street recently.

The restive capital has been the scene of deadly clashes between rebel forces and UN-backed government forces.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for Hizbul Islam group says they will intensify their attacks on fragile government and AU troops in Mogadishu.

Sheikh Mohamed Osman Arus told a press conference on Monday 30, November that their fighters are willing to protect the embattled against the government and AMISOM troops.

"The reason we want to continue the fighting against the government and AMISOM troops is that they have made new bases in Mogadishu, and they want to harass the civilians" said Sheikh Mohamed.

The group accuses the government of planning to launch massive military attack on their bases in Mogadishu.

This comes as Somali president Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed led delegation including AMISOM commander and the Somali TFG forces commander General Yusuf Hussein Osman to pay a visit to military camps in Mogadishu’s Medina and Darkanley districts on Monday.

Ahmed praised the forces for the wonderful endeavour to contain the powerful insurgent in the districts.

“You are the guard of the country; I appreciate the courageous fight with the rebels and capturing of these districts, I encourage you to protect your country” said president Sharif, urging them to draw the sympathy of the civilians.

GAROWE ONLINE