Ethiopian forces under the framework of African Union Mission (AMISOM) have engaged Al-Shabaab fighters in fierce fighting at a remote area near Burhakaba (Southwest Federal State) town on Friday.
Heavily armed Al-Shabaab fighters have ambushed a convoy of Ethiopian troops traveling along Baidoa-Burhakaba road which prompted hours of fighting between the sides.
According to locals, the fighting took place this morning in an area which lies about 15km West of the town.
Two Ethiopian military trucks have reportedly been destroyed after they overran improvised explosive devices (IEDs) buried on the road.
Both AMISOM and Ethiopian commanders have not yet commented on the incident and its casualties.
Meanwhile, Al-Shabaab through its affiliate online media claimed to have killed a number of Ethiopian soldiers and destroyed military vehicles.
“We have attacked the Ethiopian troops near Burhakaba town. Our fighters killed Ethiopian soldiers and destroyed the number of their military vehicles,” reads a statement posted.
Ethiopia was among the latest troop-contributing countries to the Africa Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
An advance team of 100 uniformed personnel arrived in Somalia in 2014 while the other three battalion-strong contingents deployed soon after.
Over 4000 Ethiopian uniformed personnel are now operating in Somalia under the framework of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
