12 fighters from Al Qaeda linked Al shabaab Terrorist killed in Gedo region southern Somalia fighting, government official: Some elders held hostage by Al shabaab

At least 15 people mainly the combatants have been killed and dozen more injured after bitter combat between Somali government forces and Al shabaab fighters which on Tuesday night took place in parts of Gedo region in southern Somalia.The battle broke out after Al shabaab Terrorist fighters launched ambush attack on Somali government military convoy traveling just outside of Garbaharey town, the regional capital of Gedo region.Mohamed Abdi Kalil, the governor of Gedo region for the transitional government told local Radio they killed at least 12 Terrorist fighters from their opposing side of Al Qaeda linked  Al shabaab.Mr. Kalil went on to say they confiscated a military base in the village of Maykarebay in the region region. For his part, the spokesman of Al shabaab movement, Sheikh Abdi-aziz Abu Mus’ab told the local media that their fighters had been involved in battle with the newly trained Somali soldiers in Dolow district, adding that the battle came after a surprise attack on the TFG forces in the region.However, calm is reported to have returned to where the fighting rocked on Tuesday night, according to local residents.Somali government official on Tuesday said that there are some elders who are held hostage by Al Qaeda linked  Al shabaab Terrorist movement. Mohamoud Sayid Adam, a Somali parlaimentarin in Gedo region, told local radio  that they have come to know elders trained by Al shabaab to take part in the battles against Somali forces and their allies. Mr. Adam noted that there are other elders who were kidnapped by Al shabaab fighters from their homes.He mentioned the elders in Al Qaeda linked  Terrorist Al shabaab controlled areas can’t express their opinions and point of views.The statement of Somali lawmaker comes a day after Al shabaab proclaimed they completed training course for elderly men in Bardhere town in Gedo region in southern Somalia.On the other hand, the parliamentarian stated they are ready to confront any offensive from their opposing side of  Al Qaeda linked  Al shabaab anytime.