Somali government troops came under attack over the weekend near Leego, a town located 100 kilometers northwest of the capital Mogadishu, APA can report on Sunday.
The attack took place as the troops who had recently returned from Aw-Yasin Jameeco, were moving toward the scene of recent unrest.
No details have been obtained on the number of casualties or the identity of those responsible for the ambush, the circumstances of which could not be independently verified.
According to information reaching APA, the troops, many of whom had received advanced military training, were caught in an ambush, resulting in casualties. They subsequently withdrew towards Balidogle and on the outskirts of Wanlaweyn.
The troops were reportedly trying to locate people believed to have been wounded and possibly left behind during earlier clashes.
The incident occurred as a planned operation in Banooda remains delayed.
Reports last week said the operation had been postponed, while the federal government confirmed the delay on Monday and attributed it to changing weather conditions.
The latest confrontation raises further questions about the timing of the operation and the security situation around Leego and nearby areas.
MG/as/APA