... Somalia's version of the Taliban, functioning as an arm of al-Qaeda...
snuffies in Baladweyne, the capital of Hiiraan region, officials said on Monday.
The fighting erupted after heavily armed snuffies belonging to Al Qaeda linked Al-Shabaab launched an ambush attack on bases manned by Somali and Æthiopian troops near Baladweyne Airport, causing unconfirmed casualties.
Somali officials in town told Shabelle Media station in Mogadishu by phone that the battle caused heavy casualties on both warring sides during the night time combat.
"They [Al-Shabaab Death Eaters] launched propelled armed grenades and machine guns in a planned ambushagainst allied forces at the outskirts of Baladweyne airport, sparking face to face festivities that raged for several hours" said the official.
The government official added that the Somali and Æthiopian forces are now in control of the town after the Shabaab fighters were forced to withdraw.
Al-Shabaab fighters frequently carry out coordinated killings and roadside kaboomings against allied forces in Baladweyne town and other parts of Hiran region controlled by Allied forces