Fierce clashes has erupted on Tuesday between Somali forces backed by AU peacekeeping soldiers and al-Shabaab militants in the main road linking Mogadishu to Baidoa city, reports said.
The combat reportedly sparked this morning as Somali and AMISOM forces moved closer to the rebel-held Burhakaba city, just about 180 Km northwest of Mogadishu.
Local residents reported that both sides have used heavy artilleries fire and machine-guns during the clashes, forcing people to stay in doors and stop movement in Leego and Yaqbariweyne villages outside the town.