People in Afmadow town started fleeing their homes to escape impending clashes between the warring sides in the area, according to one of the local residents who spoke to Sunatimes on condition of anonymity.

At least seven militant fighters were reportedly killed and their base seized on Saturday when the coalition forces launched attacks on rebel positions at Hayo settlement, Afmadow district.

Meanwhile, the Somali government has claimed victory over Al-Shabaab militant group following the yesterday’s fight in some parts of the district.

TFG force commander in the region, Col. Ismail Sahardid told Bar-kulan that they seized Hayo settlement from Al-Shabaab militant fighters, saying that they killed seven fighters and wounded dozen others.

He confirmed that they were being supported by Kenyan forces and militias from the allied Raskamboni group during the fight in Hayo.

Sahardid promised to continue with the push against the militant group in effort to wipe them out of the region.

He added that they received credible reports that fleeing Al-Shabaab militants from Bay and Bakool region, are now flocking into Lower Juba.