Fighting between Somali government forces and al Shabaab rebels in the north of Mogadishu on Wednesday killed at least 17 people and wounded 65, a Somali human rights group and rescue services said, Xinhuanet reported.

Ali Muse, the coordinator of ambulance services said the death toll was likely to rise as many wounded were in bad situation and may die in hospitals.

Somalia's state minister for defense said it was a victory to overpower al Shabaab fighters and "shall disclose the details tomorrow."

Witness also said al Shabaab also beheaded two employees of a telecommunications company who had been accused of spying for the government.