MOGADISHU, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- At least five Al-Shabaab militants were killed on Tuesday during heavy fighting between the group and Somali National Army (SNA) in Gedo region of southwest Somalia, local authorities said.

Deputy Governor of Gedo region, Sheikh Mohamed Hussein, told reporters that Somali National Army carried out the operation that targeted the militants' strongholds near Bardhere town in the region.

"Somali National Army killed five Al-Shabaab terrorists and injured several others today. They attempted to resist and fought with SNA forces, but were defeated. Two of our soldiers sustained minor injuries," Hussein said.