Mogadishu (Sunatimes) Somali transitional federal troops supported by African Union peacekeepers attacked several Al-shabaab military bases in the Somali capital of Mogadishu on Saturday.

Residents said the fighting, which was very bitter, started on Friday night after Somali army backed by African Union peacekeepers’ tanks entered into some of Mogadishu’s Al-Shabaab controlled areas, starting a heavy gun battle. Saturday’s fighting was the heaviest in recent weeks, reports say.

Mogadishu (Sunatimes) Somali military commander Abdikarim Yususf Dabaged, said that they made advances in the battle zones. Some Al-shabaab militants were killed in the combat.

The TFG commanders said their forces have penetrated into two big military trenches in areas of Howlwadag district. Few officers also suffered some minor injuries.

Al-shabab insurgents on their said claim victory saying their fighters have the upper hand. An Al-shabab spokesman, today said, their forces have killed five AU soldiers and seven TFG troops.

He however confirmed they had come under attack early Saturday from Somalia’s army backed militarily by the tanks of African Union peacekeepers, but said they fought off TFG-AMISOM planned attacks.

AMISOM earlier announced that their forces will launch an offensive meant to rescue civilians who live under oppression from al Shabaab militias. The insurgent group controls most parts of Southern Somalia.