A heavy fighting broke out in Goofgaduud near Baidoa town after Al-Shabaab launched an ambush on South West State forces overnight.
The troops responded to the militant gun fire killing several militants. South West state forces also lost four.
Backup came from Somalia federal government troops and managed to overpower the militants who retreated from the area.
Latest open source reports say South West state troops and Somali federal government military (SNA) are in full control after repelling the Al-Shabaab attackers.
