Mogadishu (Sunatimes) The President of Somali Transitional Federal Government, Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed, , said on Friday that a government offensive was gaining ground after a three consecutive days of fighting against Al-shabab insurgents.

The militants have been controlling many parts of the capital city and other parts of Southern Somalia.

Sheikh Sharif said the fighting will continue until TFG troops secure the country from Al-shabab. The president said government forces supported by the African Union peace keepers were successful in the recent offensive they have launched against Al-shabab.

The president also urged government troops to welcome youths defecting from Al-shabab who he said were cheated when they joined the group.

Government and African Union forces clashed with militants in Mogadishu on Wednesday and captured the Defense Ministry building, the former Jale Siyad military college and other strategic positions which were under the control of the militants.

However, Al-shabab insurgents denied the government’s claim.