MOGADISHU, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Somali national army took control of Gawaan village in Lower Jubba region in southern Somalia, military officials said on Wednesday.
The commander for sector 43 Yusuf Hussein told reporters that Somali forces launched an attack on al-Shabab fighters in Gawan village and engaged in heavy gun battle with the militants.
"We have attacked them (al-Shabab) and managed to bush them back after heavy fighting lasted for several hours," Hussein said.
He added that they inflicted heavy casualties on the militants during the gunfight.
"Our forces are in full control of the village and are combing the area for any possible members of the enemy who are hiding," he added.
The commander did not say whether they were casualties on the Somali National Army side while the militant group al-Shabab has not issued any comment on the latest incident.
Residents reported the clashes saying both sides exchanged heavy gunfire but the situation is calm now.
Meanwhile, the militant group on Tuesday evening publicly executed five men for allegedly engaging in spying against the group's activities.
The insurgents accused four of those killed of spying for U.S. intelligence while the fifth man was accused of spying for the Somali intelligence.
