There's been a clash in Somalia between rival supporters of the self-declared republics of Somaliland and Puntland.

Five soldiers were wounded in the fighting in Las Anod, capital of Sool region, which is claimed by both republics.

One report said the clash occurred when Somaliland security forces tried to expel a three-hundred-strong force of soldiers from Puntland.

Another report said the Puntland force attacked the Somaliland troops at two of their checkpoints.

Correspondents say the residents of Las Anod are in a state of panic because their city had been spared most of the civil unrest which has hit Somalia since the ousting of President Siad Barre in l991.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service