"Every elder was carrying an AK47 rifle… the elders had practised shooting before the contest."

Somalimemo website posted photos showing several elders holding rifles with masked men – supposedly al-Shabaab fighters - coaching them on how to shoot.

In one of the photographs, three men are seen lying on the ground aiming at targets, while some, standing, appear to be coaching.

"I want to be in the frontline for the mujahidin,” a man told Radio Andalus.

"It is the responsibility of each and every individual to defend their country from the invading foreign troops," another said.

The Islamic militant group often holds events to seek the support of the residents in the areas that the militants control.

In the past, they have organised various sports activities, including arrow shooting, tug of war and breaking of mud pots.

In other parts of the country, however, they have been behind a campaign of terror which has left thousands dead.