On to Somalia now where the army claims to have killed scores of militants in an operation in central Hiiran region. Government forces seized the town of Moqokori last week after pushing out jihadists. The militants have staged attacks on the town numerous times in the past. CGTN's Abulaziz Billow has more on that.

Government forces patrol the town of Moqokori - in the central Somali region of Hiiran. Somali forces seized control of the town from Al-Shabaab after being forced to pull out twice in the past month - army commanders are now claiming the upper hand in a recent offensive.

GEN. AHMED MOHAMED COMMANDER, SOMALI NATIONAL ARMY, HIIRAN REGION "The recent offensive in Moqokori was a successful one - we gave the terrorist group a crushing defeat, killing 74 terrorists. The army has weakened the strength of the group in the region."

Al-Shabaab attacked the town three times since the beginning of the year -briefly seizing control of Moqokori in early February in what military commander there are terming as a tactical pullout. Government forces and African Union troops first liberated the rich agricultural town in 2015 - putting an end to Al-Shabaab's six-year control of the strategic town. At least eight government troops died in the four-month long offensive in Hiiran region.

ABDULAZIZ BILLOW MOGADISHU, SOMALIA "Locals however remain skeptical about returning back to their farmlands - many have expressed concern for their safety due to the constant pullout of government troops in the area and fear of imminent confrontation between the warring factions."

GEN. AHMED MOHAMED COMMANDER, SOMALI NATIONAL ARMY, HIIRAN REGION "Rest assured the troops will remain stationed in the town - there will be no more pullout. Our duty is to ensure the safety of the locals in the region. I appeal to those who wish to surrender to do so now or else we will pursue them and dismantle their bases."

Since 2011 - African Union forces have helped Mogadishu seize major towns in south and central Somalia - but the group remains active in farmland areas from which it uses as a base to launch attacks.

Last week - a U.S soldier was killed and four others wounded after Al-Shabaab fired mortars to a large number of troops establishing a forward operating base on Sanguni village near the port city of Kismayo southwest of Mogadishu.

Meanwhile, Al-Shabaab has vowed to step up attacks in the country - frustrating security forces with its increased guerilla tactics.

And as the country's army prepares to take over control of national security experts say that strengthening the country's army is the best solution to defeating the Al Qaeda linked group. AB, CGTN, MOG - SOM.