At least 26 Al-Shabaab militants have so far been killed and several others injured in fresh fighting between the militants and Galmudug State forces in Harardhere town in Mudug region of central Somalia.
According to Somalia media reports, the militants were received a humiliating defeat in the hands of Galmudug forces after suffering another defeat from locals who reportedly killed a number of militants on Monday after forcibly demanding zakah (Islamic levy on wealth).
"Our forces killed 26 terrorists and more others were injured, Galmudug State forces are part of the battle and supports the locals to fight Al-Shabaab in east of Mudug region," Security Minister for Galmudug State in Somalia Osman Isse Nor was quoted as saying by the media.
Isse called on the Somali government and the African Union peacekeeping troops to help locals and Galmudug State forces in the fight against Al-Shabaab.
This is the second time in a week that heavy fighting is taking place in Mudug region as the militants face resistance from the locals to collect levy from the locals who are livestock farmers.
Al-Shabaab militants have not commented on the latest humiliation by the Galmudug State forces.
