BELEDWEYNE, Somalia August 16, 2014 (Garowe Online)-Somali government soldier and woman were killed in gun attack in Hiraan regional capital of Beledweyne of central Somalia as Al Shabaab-held areas fell to allied forces on Saturday, Garowe Online reports.

Unidentified assailants launched a raid on the soldier's home in Beledweyne's Dhagah Jebis neighborhood, gunning him down and snatching away his AK-47 rifle according to witnesses.

Security forces immediately arrived at the attacked house and opened volleys of gunfire into air. Woman bystander reportedly died of stray bullets, sources stated.

Meanwhile, Governor of Hiraan region Abdifatah Hassan Afrah confirmed that Somali government forces aided by African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) peacekeepers librated string of vicinities in the region from Al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab militants.

Abesale, Buuq Goosaar, El Ade, Badi Keen and Far Libah are among seized areas.

AMISOM alongside Somali army troops flushed Al Shabaab fighters out of Mogadishu in 2011. Even since, the allied forces have been on manhunt for remnants in hideouts wedging from central territories.

GAROWE ONLINE