WAJID, Somalia- Somali forces, backed by Ethiopian soldiers serving with African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) have clashed with al-Shabaab militants in Wajid district in Bakool region, Garowe Online reports.

The battle flared up after heavily armed al-Shabaab insurgents launched an assault on military base manned by the allied forces on Sunday morning, according to residents who spoke to GO over the phone.

At least five from both al-Shabaab fighters and Somali soldiers were reported to have been killed, and several others were injured during the fierce gun battle in Wajid town near Ethiopian border.

Somali military commanders in the region said they repulsed the ambush attack planned against their bases, and inflicted heavy losses on al-Shabaab fighters. The fighting has raged on for several hours, said the officials.

In a statement posted on its affiliated websites, the militants said they killed several Ethiopian soldiers, and burnt down a number of battle wagons during Wajid battle.

Despite losing swathes of territory in Bakool region in 2014 offensive, al-Shabaab still in control of the rural areas between major towns, and carry out hit and run attacks against the Somali and AU troops.

GAROWEONLINE