Mogadishu — African Union and Somali troops seized a town on the outskirts of Mogadishu on Tuesday from Islamist militants, the latest since the pro-government forces took control of the port city last weekend.

Daud Hajji Iro, the spokesman for Middle Shabelle region, said the troops moved into El-ma'an port on Tuesday and that most of the town was under the coalition's control.

"African Union and Somali troops are here now, and Al-Shabab fighters abandoned the town," Mr. Iro said by phone. "The fighting has stopped and people are indoors. We hope no more fighting will happen."

The situation is reportedly calm and business and people's movement have returned into normal soon after the allied forces backed by tanks and machine-guns rolled in the town.

Al shabab officials were unavailable on the phone for further details and comments on the Somalia government claims.