#ALERT: Heavy Fighting Reported in Xawaadley, a Town Near Mogadishu, as Government and Al-Shabaab Issue Conflicting Claims

Heavy clashes broke out today on the outskirts of Xawaadley after government forces, reportedly supported by troops from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), launched a large-scale offensive, according to local sources.

Reports from sources on the ground indicate that intense fighting took place across several locations around the town, with both sides claiming success in the battle.

The Somali federal government says its forces captured Xawaadley following the operation. However, Al-Shabaab has issued a separate statement claiming that its fighters successfully defended the town and repelled the offensive.

The offensive, which began early this morning, reportedly followed an attempt by government forces to re-enter the Xawaadley area. The town had previously witnessed the withdrawal of Burundian troops serving under the African Union mission about a year ago after earlier fighting in the region.