MARKA, Somalia Oct 22 (Garowe Online) - Somali soldiers fought each other for control of a strategic checkpoint in Lower Shabelle region Monday, killing at least 3 soldiers on both sides, sources said.

The deadly incident took place at Wanla Weyn, a town between Mogadishu and Baidoa.

Lower Shabelle regional government sent an army convoy from the provincial capital Marka towards Wanla Weyn. The soldiers were supposed to take control of the main entry checkpoint into Wanla Weyn from local forces.

But a gun battle erupted soon after the soldiers arrived. Two soldiers from Marka and a third soldier from Wanla Weyn died in the battle.

Local sources attributed today's deadly clash to ongoing political feud between Lower Shabelle officials. Previous clashes in the region have been between government forces.

Meanwhile, an army truck rushing to reinforce troops from Marka was involved in a fatal accident outside of Wanla Weyn, sources said. The latest reports indicate that 6 soldiers were killed after the truck overturned.

Source: Garowe Online