Somali government's port capture bid fails

Somalia's Islamic radicals resisted an attack by pro-government forces to recapture a vital seaport.

Militia loyal to defence minister, Colonel Barre "Hirale" Aden Shire, tried to retake Kismayo, Somalia's third largest town, on Friday night, three weeks after losing control of the port.

The fighting on the town's outskirts lasted for two hours as rival forces used heavy machine guns and rocket propelled grenades.

Shire's forces then retreated, an Islamic group official said. Three civilians and two militia, one from each side, were injured.