In Somalia, clashes between government forces and the al-Qaida-linked militant group al-Shabab have killed 26 people. The fighting took place yesterday as the two sides battled for control of the southwestern town of Garbaharey in the Gedo region. Al-Shabab rebels attacked the town again, less than a week after pro-government forces seized it from the militants. Government officials said Somali forces repelled the rebel attack. Al-Shabab still controls large sections of southern and central Somalia. Somalia's government recently launched an offensive aimed at driving back the militants and has made significant gains in the capital, Mogadishu, and parts of the south.