(Shaballe Media Network)- At least six people were killed and many others injured in a heavy fighting between Ethiopian troops along with fighters from the pro-government militia Ahlu Sunna Wal Jamaa and Al shabab fighters in central Somalia, witnesses said on Thursday.

Local residents told Shabelle Media that the combat erupted after the Al Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab insurgents in central Somaliain battle trucks have overnight attacked El Bur town, some 150 kilometers south of the Ethiopian border, killing 6 combatants from both warring sides.

Neither Al shabab nor Ahlu Sunna Walma’a has made any comments about the attack so far, but the town is said to be still under the control of Ethiopian troops and fighters from the pro-government militia Ahlu Sunna Wal Jamaa.

El Bur town in Galgadud region, central Somalia was the fourth Al-Shabaab stronghold to be seized by the Ethiopian forces, which deployed into law less Somaliain November, after Kenya also sent troops into southern Somaliato battle the ruthless militia.

Ethiopia’s latest incursion is the second in five years. They toppled an Islamist movement after deploying in 2006, but they withdrew in 2009 after the group’s hardline fighters — the Al-Shabaab — mounted a bruising guerrilla war.

On the other hand, fighters defected from Al shabaab movement, surrendered to Somalia government forces in Gedo region, military officials said on Thursday.

TFG troop officials in southern Somali town of Qoqani say they have received several Al habab defectors with pick-up tracks who crossed from the frontline zones overnight peacefully to give up to Somali government soldiers.

This contingent of Al Shabab deserters whose exact number have not been realesed so far were brought with them besides small arms armed technical wagons, according the officials.

The officials told Shabelle Media that the fighters will be displayed to the local journalists and residents in Qoqani district in Gedo region in southernSomalia.

No Al shabab official was available soon on the online for comments verifying or declining about Somali government claims.