MAHADAY, Somalia -- At least Three people were killed when Al Shabaab fighters carried out an overnight attack on a village near Mahaday district in Somalia's southern middle Shabelle region, Garowe Online reports.

Local resident revealed to Go, that the Al Shabaab fighters attacked residence of a senior Somali military officer in Biyo-Adde nighbourhood, about 20 km south of Mahaday district. "The attackers have shot and killed three people, including a military commander, his son and a security guard during the night-time raid in Biyo Adde village," witness said. The militants seized two AK-47 riffles after killing the military officer and his bodyguard, witness said.

Biyo Adde which is small key village near Mahaday district was Al Shabaab stronghold area before Somali government troops backed by the AMISOM soldiers regained control of it last month. 

Deputy Mayor of Middle Shabelle region Ahmed Meyre Makarn has confirmed the attack, saying Somali troops ramped up operation in search for the attackers.

Al Shabaab group has claimed the responsibility of the attack, claiming its fighters have killed several army officers.

The attack comes as Somali troops and their allied African Union soldiers are conducting joint military operations, aimed at rooting out Al Shabaab from their stronghold areas near Mahaday town of southern Somalia.

GAROWEONLINE