Mogadishu, Somalia Jan. 24, 2013 — Somali government forces raided a small village near the provincial town of Johwar on Thursday, in response to militants attacking Jowhar town the night before, Garowe Online reports.

Local sources say that Somali government forces raided Bayahow, a small village 7km from Jowhar, capital of Middle Shabelle region.

There was no fighting reported, but sources say Somali troops detained an unconfirmed number of persons from Bayahow town.

Gen. Mohamed Mohamud Saney, commander of Somali army's second division, told reporters in Jowhar that Al Shabaab militants attacked Jowhar town during the night of Wednesday.

"Government troops repelled the Al Shabaab attack...We believe the attack was organized in Bayahow town, near Jowhar. We killed one Al Shabaab member," said Gen. Saney.

But local sources reported that Wednesday's fighting lasted for "nearly one hour" with witnesses reported that they saw "five to six dead bodies" in the morning.

Jowhar remains calm and AMISOM peacekeepers are said to be playing a role in boosting security around the town.

GAROWE ONLINE