The force’s deputy spokesman Gilbert Mutunga told Bar-kulan that their force has successfully managed to take over the entire district from Al-Shabaab militant fighters after a brief gun-battle in the area.

Mutunga said they lost a Burundian soldier serving the AU mission in Somalia during the battle for Daynile, adding that some other soldiers were also injured.

He further said they are now conducting a similar operation against Al-Shabaab militants in areas around Maslah towards the rebel-held Elasha Biyaha.

Reports say the renewed fighting in the area has grounded public transportation along the road linking Mogadishu to Afgoye.