At least 20 people have died in Somalia in a gun battle between al-Shabab militants and pro-government forces.
A military official says the fighting broke out Thursday in Bula Hawo, an area bordering Ethiopia and Kenya. Witnesses said the violence continued early Friday.
Government and African Union troops captured the long-time rebel stronghold earlier this week. The militants were trying to take it back, but government commanders said Friday they had been driven off.
Somalia has experienced nearly two decades of violence and lawlessness since the fall of the last stable central government.
The current government has been wracked by infighting and has stayed in power only with the strong support of AU peacekeepers.
Article by VOA News