Somali National Army (SNA) troops engaged in a deadly overnight clashes with Al Shabaab militants in the southern port town of Marko, the capital of Lower Shabelle region, according to All Africa radio.

The fighting is reportedly triggered when armed Al shabaab fighters staged an ambush attack on federal government troops stationed at a base in the city's downtown.

Government security sources have yet to disclose the exact number of casualty figures from the brawl in the coastal town popular with unusual beach.

Somali troops backed by AMISOM have jointly conducted mop-up operations in and outside Marka area to prevent further attacks by Al shabaab fighters, residents said.

Source: MENA