The clashes erupted between Somalia National Army and Al-Shabaab members when the militants launched an attack on a base run by Somali army in Daynunay village in Baidoa city of southeastern Somalia.

17 Al-Shabaab members were killed and 23 others injured in the clashes, the statement said

4 soldiers also have lost their lives in the clashes, the statement added.

Harakat al-Shabaab al-Mujahideen (Movement of Striving Youth), more commonly known as al-Shabaab, is an Islamic group based in East Africa.

In 2012, it pledged allegiance to the organization Al-Qaeda.

Al-Shabaab's troop strength was estimated at 7,000 to 9,000 militants in 2014.

As of 2015, the group has retreated from the major cities; however, al-Shabaab still controls large parts of the rural areas.

ILKHA