The fighting between Somali forces backed by Raskamboni militias and Kenyan troops against Al-Shabaab militant fighters occurred when the allied forces attacked rebel bases in the area on Friday morning.

The allied forces have reportedly met a strong resistant from the militant fighters who are trying to hold back the advancing coalition forces.

Although the exact figure of casualties are not yet known, locals in the area say heavy gunfire could be heard from distance.

The attack against rebel positions in the region is part of the ongoing government effort to wrest control of the rebel held port city of kismayo.

Elsewhere in Kismayo, locals on Friday took to the streets in protest of the U.S made anti-Islam film which has sparked violent protest across the Muslim world.