Heavy fighting has broken out in a southern Somali city between gunmen loyal to two lawmakers in the country's transitional government.

Witnesses say the battle in the city of Baidoa has left at least five dead. They say the fighting continued after nightfall Saturday.

Residents say the fighting involved a militia commanded by Colonel Hassan Mohammed Shargudud and a group led by Mohamed Ibrahim Habsadeh.

The two lawmakers have disagreed about where in Somalia the new government should be located. They also differ about whether to allow neighboring countries to take part in a peacekeeping force for Somalia.

A debate between lawmakers over the latter issue led to a brawl in Somalia's parliament, which is currently based in Kenya. Television footage showed lawmakers beating each other with walking sticks.