Clashes have erupted in a southern town in Somalia between the country's federal government forces and regional troops of the state of Jubbaland amid escalating tensions over a disputed regional election there.

Fighting has erupted between forces from Somalia's semi-autonomous Jubbaland region and federal government forces, officials said on Wednesday, in an escalation of tensions after Jubbaland held elections against the federal government's advice.

The Somali army and forces loyal to the semi-autonomous southern Jubaland region have clashed, Somali government and military officials said Wednesday. "Members from the Jubaland forces, who are being misused by Ahmed Madobe,