Heavy gunfire exchanges were witnessed within Lower Shebelle on Monday as Somali troops backed by KDF stormed two towns that have been under Al-Shabaab control.
The troops opened fire at Koban town which has been under surveillance, catching Al-Shabaab militants off guard, a move that forced them to flee.
Later, El-Salin town also in Lower Shebelle was conquered by the troops who killed one militant besides seizing several vehicles during the process.
Photos taken from the two towns shows the troops celebrating while approaching the towns in numbers, signifying the latest victory against the militants.
"Somali Govt forces in the vicinity of El-Salin, Lower Shabelle region, where troops cleared from Al-Shabaab militants late last week," tweeted Harun Maruf, a VOA journalist.
Earlier, the veteran journalist had broken news about the intensive fighting that led to liberation of the two towns, which have been under the militants for many years.
"Somali soldiers backed by partner forces cleared Al-Shabaab militants from Koban village just north of Sanguni on Monday. One Al-Shabaab militant was killed, per source. An injured 12-year old boy has been brought to Kismayo for treatment; security source says boy was shot by AS," Harun Maruf tweeted.
"Somali special forces, Danab, have taken El-Salin village between K-50 and K-60 in Lower Dhabelle region on Saturday. Meanwhile, regular Govt forces moving towards capturing Dhanane and other coastal villages between Mogadishu and Marka," he added.
The victory comes barely three days after KDF troops repulsed an attack at Yuumbis village in Garissa where a border patrol camp was targeted.