(SomaliNet) A brush fire broke out when Somali and Ethiopian forces clashed with Islamic militiamen in southern Somalia early Thursday, witnesses said by two-way radio. This incident comes after Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said his forces were carrying out mop-up operations against Islamic militants in the extreme southern corner of Somalia and that he expected to withdraw his troops within a few weeks. "We are hearing bombardment in Ras Kamboni. It started around 6 a.m. and the strike is now continuing," one resident said, asking not to be named for fear of retribution. "We can't see planes, but we can hear heavy explosions." According to Mosa Aden Hersi, who lives 15 miles from Ras Kamboni, said earlier fighting in the area had triggered a brush fire. At least 35 civilians were killed along with fighters during the battle. "We saw the dead bodies of 17 men in military uniform under a small hill, but we do not know their identity," he said.
"The fighting is near and around Ras Kamboni. This is the last hideout of the terrorists. It is a small unit, mopping up operations that have not yet been completed," Meles told reporters in Ethiopia on Wednesday.