Mogadishu — At least five people were killed after clashes sparked in the city of Mogadishu between Al Shabaab and government forces, Garowe Online reports.
The clashes sparked in two districts in Mogadishu Yaqshid and Dharkenley on Sunday night.
Somali government forces confirmed that the clashes did occur in Mogadishu adding that the government forces repelled the Al Shabaab insurgents Sunday night.
According to government officials, the Al Shabaab agents targeted police and defense forces in Dharkenley district that resulted in 5 Al Shabaab agents being killed.
Dharkenley district is located in southern Mogadishu near the former US Embassy.
According to residents, the clashes were very heavy where both sides used heavy artillery in residential areas.
"The fighting was very heavy and you could hear very heavy artillery being used. I heard from my neighbors this morning one civilian was killed," said Mohamed Ahmed a resident of Dharkenley district.
Residents in Yaqshid reported heavy fighting in the district located in northeast Mogadishu.
According to local sources, at least two Al Shabaab agents were killed in the clashes.
Mogadishu since Al Shabaab's alleged withdrawal in 2011 resulted in resurgence in business and a regained hope for thousands of displaced Mogadishu residents.
The city has seen a huge improvement over the past year due to improved security after government and AMISOM forces stepped up operations throughout 2011 and 2012.
Two clashes in two different districts in Mogadishu, displays that Al Shabaab has reverted to a subversive battle in Mogadishu.
Last week, Mogadishu authorities arrested 60 people and confiscated around 30 explosives which according to authorities that have not been seen in Somalia before.
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