20 Al-Shabaab militants killed in Somalia's Puntland State

At least 20 Al-Shabaab militants were killed and several others injured by Puntland forces in heavy fighting in Nugal region in northern Somalia on Wednesday.

Puntland Information Minister Mohamud Hassan said two of the Puntland forces were injured during the battle with the insurgents who stormed the region early Wednesday.

"We are in heavy battle with Al-Shabaab terrorist group in the two regions. Our defense forces are fighting with them and have killed 20 of the militants. Some are hiding in holes but we will end the on-going battle within 72 hours," Hassan said.

"We also call on Al-Shabaab leaders and the youth who have been misled to join the group to surrender to our forces. We will give them amnesty," Hassan added.

The insurgents seized the port town of Garaad before they were overpowered by Puntland forces. About 200 militants arrived in boats in Garaad and immediately took over the town before cutting off communication lines.

Governor of Nugal region in Puntland State Omar Abdullahi Faraweyne told reporters that Puntland forces would ultimately defeat the terrorists.

"Puntland Security and Defense forces responded to the attacks by a group of Al-Shabaab who stormed Garmal and Suuj areas in Dangoroyo district in Nugal region. We will definitely defeat the terrorists," Faraweyne said.

However, the Al-Qaida allied militant group said their forces are advancing and expanding to new areas in Puntland State in northern Somalia after hundreds of their fighters reached coastal areas with boats on Sunday.

The development came after the National Intelligence and Security Agency said on Tuesday the security of national ports were tightened following information that the terrorist group was planning to carry out attacks on local seaports in Somalia.

NISA said the militants seen in Garacad were estimated to be 200 fighters who were planning to carry out attacks on ports in the country. Endit