Heavily armed militants raided the base at Liq-liqato bridge, prompting brief gun-battle with the government soldiers manning the base, according col. Issack Ali Abdulle who is a top government official in the town.

Speaking to Sunatimes Abdulle said their forces killed two militant fighters and injured several others during the gun battle.

Meanwhile, the body of the slain journalist Mahad Salad Adan who was gunned down by hooded gunmen on Thursday evening was today laid to rest in the town.

Adan was shot four times on the head by the gangs at Howlwadaag neighbourhood in the city.