Heavy fighting reported in Somali town near Mogadishu

Heavy fighting erupted in Afgooye town, some 30km south of Mogadishu on Tuesday, but no immediate reports of casualties.

The fighting started when Al-Shabaab militants launched a car explosion in front of a police station.

"They launched a car explosion and started firing but Somali forces hit back," said Liban Mohamed, a police officer in the town.

Mohamed told Xinhua that the militants attempted to take over the town, but Somali forces repulsed them, adding that the fighting was still going on.

Witnesses said heavy fire broke up in the town.

"There is massive fire in the town. Both sides are clashing and many people are gripped by fear," said Adam Hirsi, a witness.

AMISOM Forces Spokesman Joe Kibet confirmed the attack.

Kibet said the insurgents used the Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) to carry out the attack, but did not provide more details. Endit