Fierce clashes erupted early Friday in Sabid and Anole, near Afgoye town, between Somali troops, AU forces, and Al-Shabab militants.
The fighting began when Al-Shabab, using suicide blasts, attacked army bases manned by Somali troops and Ugandan peacekeepers.
The militants reportedly entered both areas after coalition forces pulled back from their bases.
Al-Shabab claimed to have retaken Sabid and Anole following the pre-dawn attack that began with explosions.
There was no immediate comment from Somali military or the African Union mission over the claims.
The areas were recently captured by allied forces after deadly confrontations with Al-Shabab.
At least seven Ugandan soldiers were killed during that earlier battle as they helped the recapture of both villages.
Despite being ousted from Mogadishu in 2011, Al Shabab still continues to carry out deadly attacks to regain territories previously lost in south and central Somalia.
