Reports from Somalia say at least 12 people were killed and more than 20 others wounded when two sub-clans clashed near the port city of Kismayo Friday.
Clan elders and witnesses say soldiers from the Marehan and Majerteen sub-clans exchanged heavy gunfire in an area north of the city. VOA correspondent Alishu Ryu reports the Marehan side later declared victory.
Both groups have fought for the Somali government but are bitterly divided along Somalia's deep clan lines.
In the capital, Mogadishu, at least one government soldier was killed and a second wounded when a roadside bomb detonated near their vehicle.
The government says it will impose a nighttime curfew starting tonight in an effort to curb rampant violence in the city.
The interim government has struggled to establish security in the capital since driving out an Islamist movement late last year with the help of Ethiopian troops.
The government has blamed the violence on Islamist insurgents and terrorists, although clan militias also are believed to be involved.
Somalia has not had an effective central government in 16 years, since warlords overthrew dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.
