Mozambique's northern town of Macomia was attacked by the Islamist insurgents on Friday morning, the country's President Filipe Nyusi said in a televised address.
"Macomia is under attack since this morning. Fire exchange still continues," he said, according to the translation of his speech.
He reportedly added that after initially retreating following approximately 45 minutes of combat, the militants regrouped and launched a counterattack.
The SADC forces have been helping Mozambique's authorities to combat terrorism in the Cabo Delgado region since 2021. In April, the withdrawal of the SADC troops began, it is expected to be finished by July.