The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has denied reports that a bombardment by its troops killed five civilians in the southern Somali town of Janale during fighting with Al-Shabaab militants on Tuesday.

The AMISOM said in a statement Thursday that the fighting, in which 7 militants were killed, was away from populated areas.

"AMISOM takes the safety of the Somali people seriously and takes utmost care in all its operations to protect civilians," the statement.

Local media reports claimed five civilians were killed and several others wounded in an overnight mortar bombardment by AMISOM force on a residential area near Janale town in Lower Shabelle region.

AMISOM force is helping the Somali army fight the Islamist group Al-Shabaab, which carries out frequent attacks in the country.

Source : XINHUA