Heavy military combat was reported between Somali government forces and Al-Shabaab militants in the Qabno area of Mataban district in Hiran state. Initial reports say, the fighting came after government forces entered near Qabno, where Al Shabaab members had reportedly set up checkpoints to extort vehicles using the main road.
No immediate casualties from the two sides were reported as Residents reported hearing heavy gunfire from large caliber weapons from both sides of the battlefield.
Before the clash, three soldiers were killed, and several others – including two journalists – were seriously wounded in a landmine blast targeting a convoy carrying the governor of the Hiiraan region and army officials.
While no group has claimed responsibility for the landmine attack, government officials blamed Al Shabaab, which often stages such attacks against military targets.
