Marko — At least three people confirmed dead and seven others injured when a fierce gun battle erupted between government forces and Al shabab fighters in Somalia's Lower Shabelle region, reports said.

The skirmish broke out last night at around 7 pm local time after heavily armed fighters belonging to Al shabab stormed bases manned by Somali forces outside Shalanbod town, 110 Km south of Mogadishu.

"Three combatants from both warring sides were killed and 7 wounded during the attack that lasted for several hours at the entrance of Shabalnbod, where Somali forces have military positions," a resident told Shabelle Media via phone.

Locals said the battle was the deadliest they have ever witnessed since Somali national army (SNA) and AMISOM took the control of the port city of Marko and its surrounding areas from Al shabab militants last month.

No official from both rival sides has yet released any comments on the combat.