Dinsor — Fierce fighting between Ethiopian troops and Al-shabaab insurgent group erupted near Dinsor town some 30 km south of Baidoa, the seat of the transitional parliament, witnesses said on Wednesday.

On Tuesday the Ethiopian troops with more military trucks attacked Dinsor district and captured the town from Al-shabaab insurgent group.

"The Ethiopian troops vacated Dinsor town early on Wednesday and they were heading to Baidoa when insurgents attacked them," said Ali Meer, a resident.

Officials from Al-shabab told radio Shabelle they have burnt a military vehicle from the Ethiopian troops and claimed they have inflicted heavy casualties to them.

There are not any reports confirming the claim of the insurgents. Comments were not available from the Ethiopian and government officials.

Locals say the fighting was heavy and lasted for about two hours.

Ethiopian troops have been capturing towns in western Somalia from the insurgents for the past two weeks.

Ethiopia invaded Somalia in 2006 to help defeat the Islamic Courts Union forces that ruled much of south and central Somalia.