Ethiopian forces in Somalia 'clash with al-Shabab'

Al-Shabab claimed to have ambushed a large convoy of Ethiopian troops, who are operating in the area as part of regional efforts to wipe out the militant group.

"We heard about three huge explosions and then an exchange of heavy guns followed," local resident Hassan Abdulle said.

"It was a fierce fighting with shells and other weapons but we don't know the details," said Fatuma Ali, who lives in Rab Dhuure.

Ethiopia's army and Somali authorities did not respond to requests for comment.

In February Djibouti, Ethiopia and Kenya agreed to begin what they described as "search and destroy" operations against al-Shabab, in addition to the African Union-mandated peacekeeping force, which is expected to leave Somalia by the end of next year.