A heavy battle between Somali government forces and Al shabaab was reported to have erupted on Tuesday in the eastern parts of Middle Shabelle region.
The attack sparked a fierce clash between Al-Shabaab militants and Ethiopian forces who are serving with the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
”We heard heavy gun battles that lasted for about an hour. All the residents were in state of fear and shock,” said one of residents in Ali Fooley village, near Mahaday town.
The number of casualties is yet unclear as both sides did not provide further information about the gun-battle which broke out after the troops advanced on Al shabaab strongholds.
Al-Shabaab has intensified its ambush attacks on Somali and AMISOM forces in the past few months, as the group is trying to topple the UN backed Federal government in Mogadishu.
Somalia’s new federal government has announced in March an offensive against Al shabaab , to recapture all areas still under the control of the militants.
©Goobsan Media
