A heavy fighting broke out in Goofgaduud near Baidoa town after armed militants belonging to Al Shabaab have launched an overnight attack on South-West state forces, residents said. According to the latest updates from the battle at least four South West State army soldiers have been killed, and several injured during the Al shabaab attack in Goofgaduud, 35Km north of Baidoa.
Al shabaab said its fighters have overrun the military bases of South West state forces and killed four soldiers, before briefly seizing Goofgaduud on Thursday morning. South West state troops backed by Somali federal government military remained in control after repelling the Al shabaab attackers who retreated from the area following deadly combat.