Although the exact figure of casualties are not yet known, Col. Adan Ibrahim Ilyas of the Somali national army told Sunatimes that they killed over ten militant fighters on Monday morning alone.

Ilyas claimed that his forces suffered no casualties, adding that they are advancing towards Qalawile settlement as they continue to wrest control of Kismayo.

He said the fight has now subsided and the coalition forces are making gains in the fight.

Col. Ilyas says they are committed to ousting Al-Shabaab’s rebel rule in the port city and promised to wrest control of the city in the next few days.

Al-Shabaab militant group which is defending the city from the advancing coalition forces also claimed victory.

In a statement posted on its Tweeter account, the militant group said a Kenyan Defence Force helicopter gunship was brought down by its fighters, a claim Sunatimes could not independently verify.

The fighting broke out on Sunday between the Somali forces backed by Raskamboni militias and Kenyan troops against Al-Shabaab militant fighters and there was an interlude overnight before resuming with full scale on Monday morning.

Kenyan warplanes were reportedly taking part in the fight, according to locals who spoke to Sunatimes on condition of anonymity due to security concerns.

They said both sides were receiving reinforcement from their bases to counter each other’s offensive.

Over 30 combatants from both sides of the fight died on Sunday when the fighting first broke out at the same place. Dozen others were reportedly injured during the battle for Kismayo.

The attack against rebel positions in the region is part of the ongoing government effort to wrest control of the rebel held port city of Kismayo.