Pro-gov't, militia forces clash in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia, June 28 (UPI) -- An assault by pro-Somali government moderates on a hard-line Islamic militia linked with al-Qaida produced fierce fighting Sunday, witnesses said.

Observers said forces loyal to the pro-government Islamic Courts Union were battling the al-Shabaab militia in Somalia's Middle Shabelle region at a village in Mahaday town, Shabelle Radio reported.

Residents told the broadcaster the sounds of heavy gunfire could be heard throughout the village. They added there had been deaths and injures but it was still too difficult to confirm the figures.