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Somali government troops with the support of Kenyan military forces captured Burgabo (Buur-Gaab), a port city in Badhadhe district administration of Somalia's Lower Juba region, 140km south of Kismayo, after fierce fighting against al-shabaab insurgents.
At least ten al-Shabaab fighters were reportedly killed during the fighting, according to an eyewitness.
“I saw the bodies of ten al-Shabaab militia in the street where the fierce fighting took place,“ said Mahir Carab an eyewitness.
Fighting between al-Shaabab forces and government soldiers broke out inside the Burgabo village early Friday early morning forcing the militants to flee, a TFG official confirmed to Somalia Report. Both sides used heavy weapons in the clashes.
‘’Yes, we captured Burgabo after we kicked out the terror group of al-Shabaab. The area is now stable. We know this is the area was where foreign Islamist fighters illegally entered our country,‘’ said Ahmed Deeq, a TFG official in Lower Juba region.
Local residents confirmed government troops were in control of the town.
‘’Yes, this morning we were surprised to see Kenyan and Somalis soldiers searching houses. The Somali officials told us not to fear them, but to support and to protect them," Ali Isse, a resident in Burgabo village, told Somalia Report.
Burgabo was used as a revenue point for the insurgents where they sold coal (charcoal) illegally.
Meanwhile helicopters were seen over the insurgent-controlled towns of Marka in Lower Shabelle region and the capital of Mogadishu.