MOGADISHU, Somalia, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- Intense gun battles between African Union peacekeepers and Islamic fundamentalists erupted Monday in parts of the Somali capital, Mogadishu, witnesses said.
Shabelle Radio quoted witnesses saying one battle between soldiers backing the country's transitional government allied with the African peacekeepers against Islamic forces broke out at a large base used by Burundian troops.
It said the early morning fighting included heavy weapons exchanges, while another battle was reported in the Hodan district in south the capital.
Shabelle also reported at least three people were killed and others wounded in the breakaway republic of Somaliland when soldiers found explosive devices that later detonated.
Mohamed Abdi Dimbil, deputy governor of the Somaliland administration, told Shabelle that residents found the devices and gave them to troops. After the troops took possession of the materials, they exploded, killing three soldiers and wounding several others, the report said.
Heavy fighting has broken out in the Somali capital, Mogadishu. As troops clash with Islamic fighters the European Union has said it will train 2,000 more soldiers for the country. 

One major battle erupted at a base used by Burundian troops. African peacekeepers as well as local soldiers working for the transitional government fought back, according to eyewitnesses. Heavy artillery was used this morning. Soldiers in Somaliland found explosives which later went off, killing at least three people.

Somaliland's deputy governor, Mohamed Abdi Dimbil, said locals had discovered the bombs and handed them over to soldiers. They detonated while the soldiers still had them, causing the deaths as well as injuries.

EU foreign ministers in Brussels responded to the clashes. A joint statement read: "The EU should ... continue to help stabilise Somalia by providing support to vital and priority areas such as the security sector, development, assistance to the population and capacity-building support. In this context, the Council agreed to set up a military mission to contribute to training of Somali security forces."

Spain will lead the mission and France has pledged troops as well. Britain, Slovenia, Greece, and Hungary are expected to participate, according to Reuters.