Battle rages for Somalia seaport

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Fighters of the Islamic Courts Union and pro-government forces have clashed on the outskirts of Kismayo, Somalia's third largest town and strategic seaport, according to witness reports.

Pro-government forces loyal to Colonel Barre Hirale Aden Shire, the Somalian defence minister, tried to recapture Kismayo late on Friday, three weeks after losing control of it.

Witnesses told AP that the fighting on the town's outskirts lasted for two hours as rival forces used heavy machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades.

According to an official from the Islamic courts, Shire's forces then retreated.

al Jazeera