Militiamen fight for Somali town

The transitional government has little control

At least 12 people were killed on Wednesday as factional fighting continues in the southern Somali town of Baidoa.

Forces loyal to Colonel Hassan Mohamed Nur Shatigudud are battling with the fighters of his former deputy in the Rahanwein Resistance Army, Sheikh Adan Madobeh.

	Somali chaos No central authority since 1991 Transitional government only controls parts of Mogadishu Rivals clans and factions battle for territory Peace talks due soon in Kenya Guide to Somalia's powerbrokers

Mr Madobeh split from Colonel Shatigudud last month and more than 100 people have died in the ensuing fighting.

Somalia has been gripped by factional fighting and has had no effective administration since 1991.

A transitional government was put in place in 2000, but it has had little impact outside the capital, Mogadishu.

The militiamen have used anti-aircraft guns, rocket-propelled grenades and mortars during the fighting, destroying many civilian homes.

It is not clear whether either side has gained any ground.

Aid agencies have pulled out of Baidoa because of the insecurity in what was once the country's breadbasket.

Local residents told the BBC's Hassan Barise by telephone to Mogadishu that they had seen the bodies of 12 dead gunmen lying in the streets.