Somalia: Somali, African Union Forces Clash With Al Shabab

5 SEPTEMBER 2012
Afmadow — Witnesses say AMISOM forces, together with Somali soldiers, clashed with Al shabab militants in Miido, a town 16 kilometres south of Afmadow, which was recently secured by the coalition forces.

Reports said heavy fighting between Somali forces backed by Kenyan army has again broke out on Wednesday the Miido village near Afmadow town in Lower Jubba region of southern Somalia.

"The battle was intensified this morning after Al shabab attacked Somali and AMISOM bases in Miido and both sides have used heavy weaponry, including artillery and morters," Miido resident said.

It was immediately unclear the exact casualties of the renewed fighting in Miido close to Afmadow town. The situation is tense and the combat is going on in several villages located on the outskirts if Afmadow.

Afmadow is the second largest town in the south and only 115km (71 miles) from Kismayo, Al-Shabab's headquarters.

The Horn of Africa country has had no effective central government since 1991, and has been racked by fighting ever since - a situation that has allowed piracy and lawlessness to flourish.
Source http://allafrica.com/stories/201209051010.html