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 elect

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.

Somalia said on Thursday it had pulled federal troops out of the southwestern Lower Juba region, after clashes with local forces from Jubbaland state which has broken off ties with the central government.

The Somali army and forces loyal to the semi-autonomous southern Jubaland region have clashed, Somali government and military officials said Wednesday.

Fighting erupted on Wednesday between Somalia's semi-autonomous Jubbaland region and federal government forces after Jubbaland held an election against the advice of authorities in Mogadishu, officials said.