MOGADISHU, (insidesomalia.org)- Islamist insurgents claimed Thursday they had killed several government troops in an attack on checkpoints northwest of Mogadishu a day after Somalia's prime minister announced a reconciliation plan.

"Our fighters carried out well arranged attacks on two checkpoints," insurgent spokesman Mohamed Sheik Kulow told AFP by telephone of attacks that reportedly took place roughly 140 kilometres (85 miles) northwest of the Somali capital.

He said several soldiers had been killed but could not confirm the exact number.

Reached by telephone, witness Mohamed Sheik Kulow was among several residents who said the clashes took place near the town of Lego, on the route linking Mogadishu to Baidoa where Somalia's transitional parliament is located.

"There was heavy fighting in the Adan Lugoley area near Lego and the government soldiers deserted the area after a brief exchange of gunfire. We have been told some soldiers were killed but I cannot confirm the exact number," he said.

On Wednesday, Somali Prime Minister Hassan Hussein Nur outlined a national plan for reconciliation with government foes and among feuding clans in a bid to end years of war in the Horn of African country.

Islamist militia has since waged near-daily attacks since late 2006, when government troops, aided by Ethiopian forces, ousted an Islamist movement from Mogadishu.

A national dialogue conference held last year and boycotted by the Islamists failed to halt the deadly violence that has ravaged the Horn of Africa country for 17 years.

Conflict flared after the 1991 ouster of Dictator Mohamed Siad Barre. Since then, Somalia has had no central authority and has defied numerous initiatives to restore stability.

Source: AFP

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