Officials in Somalia say at least 16 people have been killed in factional fighting that began Monday and continued into Tuesday.
Witnesses say the fighting took place in and around the town of Belet Weyn, some 300 kilometers north of the capital.
Officials say the clash was the result of an on-going dispute between rival factions over the use of pasture land.
Somalia has been without a central government since 1991 when clan-based warlords over-threw dictator Said Barre. Since then, in-fighting between the clans has plunged the nation into anarchy.
A new government was formed last year in Kenya but it is opposed by Islamic extremists and other factions. The government has not relocated to Mogadishu because of lack of security.
Some information provided by AP and Reuters.