The fighting started after militiamen allegedly tried to take taxes from trucks belonging to businessmen from a different clan in the town of Beledwayne, businessperson Abdi Hashi told dpa by phone.

Illegal checkpoints have increased around the town recently, with militias claiming to be Somali government soldiers before taking taxes from locals, said Hashi.

A police officer from Beledwayne told dpa that those involved in the clashes are not registered Somali government soldiers.

“With the help of AU troops in the region, we are trying hard to end the renewed hostility in the region,” said the officer, who asked to remained unnamed.

More than 15 people, most of them from the warring sides were wounded in these clashes according to local residents and police.