Official reports from Congo Brazzaville say the army has killed sixty militiamen loyal to the ousted prime minister, Bernard Kolelas.

The reports said the clash took place early yesterday, after three government soldiers were killed in an ambush.

The state media said the militiamen then retreated into the forests of the southern Pool region.

Attacks in the area, where Mr Kolelas still has widespread support, have been on the increase since August.

Mr Kolelas was the last prime minister under President Lissouba, who was ousted in l997 by the current ruler, General Denis Sassou Nguesso.