MOGADISHU: About 26 Al-Shabaab militants were killed and several others were wounded in fresh fighting between the insurgents and Galmudug State forces in Harardhere town in Mudug region of central Somalia, officials said on Monday. Security Minister for Galmudug State in Somalia Osman Isse Nor told reporters that the militants were defeated during the fighting, noting that their attempt to revenge and rob locals failed. “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, ” Isse said. He called on the Somali government and the African Union peacekeeping troops to help locals and Galmudug State forces in the fight against Al-Shabaab. Independent sources say there are casualties on the locals who are fighting with the militants. The militants had cut off the communication in the area before launching the attack early Monday. This is the second time in a week that heavy fighting is taking place in Mudug region as the insurgents face resistance from the locals to collect levy from the locals who are livestock farmers. Al-Shabaab militants have not commented on the latest military victory by the Galmudug State.