KISMAYO, Somalia — Heavy fighting broke out Monday near Kismayo, the provincial capital of Lower Jubba region, after Jubbaland forces clashed with Al-Shabaab militants, officials said.
The clash erupted after Al-Shabaab militants launched a mortar attack on a Jubbaland forces base in the Baarsanguuni area, followed by direct fighting between the two sides.
Jubbaland’s forces reportedly repelled the attack, with casualties reported on both sides, according to local media.
Jubbaland military officials said they had killed several militants, including leaders, and seized weapons and military supplies.
The situation remains tense, with sporadic clashes reported in several parts of Lower Jubba.
Al-Shabaab maintains strongholds in the Jubba regions, where it organizes attacks on military camps in southern Somalia.
