MOGADISHU, Somalia - Heavily armed Al Shabaab fighters have taken control of the southern town of Afgoye following suicide car bombing and gun attack on Somali forces on Tuesday afternoon, Garowe Online reports.

The raid began when an explosives-laden car detonated at an army checkpoint in the town, followed by fierce gun battle between Al Shabaab militants and Somali government troops.

Al Shabaab fighters overrun the Somali army and took control of the town after the retreat of the Somali soldiers who fled towards Mogadishu, according to local residents.

Gunfire could still be heard in the town.

GAROWEONLINE