MOGADISHU, July 4 (Xinhua) -- The Somali National Army (SNA) on Wednesday killed 10 al-Shabab militants and injured several others in a fierce fighting that also involved the locals near Haradhere town in Mudug region of central Somalia, officials said.
Mahad Hassan Mohamed, Deputy Minister of Galmudug State in Somalia, said the fighting broke out after the militants attempted to collect money and take local boys by force to fight along with them but the villagers resisted.
A resident, who requested not to be named, said five members from the village and 10 al-Shabab fighters were killed during the confrontation.
"The militants attacked bases in order to get zakawat (levy) and get boys from locals here in order to train and join them in their group. However, the locals rejected their demands," said the resident.
Al-Shabab militants claimed victory over the latest deadly fighting in Mudug region, saying their fighters killed over 15 Galmudug State forces.
But the minister confirmed the fighting was only between al-Shabab and locals, saying they are committed to protect their people as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, the government on Wednesday announced plans to stop illegal shipments of arms by the militants and ISIL from territories under their control.
