The ambush took place in the vicinity of Doonka, 40 kilometers (24 miles) southwest of Mogadishu. The Al-Shabab terrorist group claimed responsibility.
Abshir Mohamed, a police official in the region, told Anadolu Agency by phone that the military personnel was targeted while escorting vehicles carrying goods to the capital.
He said six soldiers and two drivers were killed in the attack, adding that the injured were taken to Afoye, a nearby town, for treatment.
The Al-Qaeda affiliated group also claimed attacking Ethiopian forces serving under African Union Mission in the country's southwestern region of Bakol, killing at least four soldiers.