Troops from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), alongside the Somalia National Army, killed seven Al-Shabaab militants in fighting in southern Somalia, the AMISOM said Monday.

An AMISOM statement said the fighting took place in Bariire, Lower Shabelle region on Sunday, in which nine other militants sustained serious injuries.

The statement refuted allegations that there were civilian casualties in the fighting.

"No civilians were involved in this confrontation," the statement said.

"Information in a section of the media claiming civilian casualties is a fabrication and an attempt by Al-Shabaab to cover up their losses," it added.

There was no immediate comment from Al-Shabaab, the Islamist group that has been battling the Somali government for a decade.

The joint forces have stepped up operations across the Horn of Africa nation against Al-Shabaab to secure ongoing elections. Endit

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