Hours of fierce fighting between government troops and militias that killed dozens of combatants in Somalia’s southwestern city of Baidoa also left at least four civilians dead and 98 others wounded, a hospital official said on Tuesday.

The fighting erupted early on Monday when militia groups attacked government positions on the outskirts of the city, which is home to more than half a million people displaced by conflict and drought.

Somali officials said at least 30 attackers were killed, but did not immediately give a toll for government troops.

Dr Abdikafi Omar Mohamud, head of the emergencies department at Bay Regional Hospital in Baidoa, said the fighting also killed at least four civilians and injured 98, including 28 women and an elderly man hit by stray bullets.

Earlier it was reported that the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) killed at least 30 al-Shabaab militants and captured several others after thwarting an early Monday attack in the central town of Baidoa, according to the Ministry of Defence.

According to the ministry, SNAF positions came under attack at 5a.m (0200 GMT) by armed elements using vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices.

The ministry said the attacking force comprised a mix of al-Shabaab militants and militias loyal to the President of Southwest State Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen.

“SNAF responded professionally and decisively, repelling the attack and thwarting the assailants’ attempt to destabilize the security and stability of Baidoa,” the ministry said in a statement.

Military forces seized weapons and vehicles used in the attack and were conducting clearance operations to secure the city and track down remaining fighters in parts of Baidoa, the statement said.

“The Ministry of Defence will provide the Somali public with further details regarding the attack and the outcome of the operation once it has concluded,” it said.

Somali troops have controlled the city since March, when they seized control of Baidoa and prompted the resignation of Laftagareen.

Residents confirmed that heavy fighting erupted in Baidoa on Monday morning as SNAF forces clashed with armed militias loyal to Laftagareen, alongside al-Shabaab elements.

While local opposition figures claimed to have captured the city, military officials denied the claim and confirmed that security operations remained ongoing.

• A Tell Media / Xinhua report