QOQANI, Somalia, Rabi'II 7, 1433, Feb 29, 2012, SPA - Nine Somali soldiers and Five militants were killed in heavy fighting in southern Somalia, officials said Tuesday. Witnesses said fighting erupted about midnight after the militants attacked a government military convoy coming from Dhoblay town to Qoqani district in Lower Jubba region of southern Somalia near the Kenyan border, "Shabelle Media" Network was quoted as reporting by the United Press International (UPI). The ambush occurred about 6 miles from Qoqani town, the network reported. The five militants were killed in a counterattack, a government officer said. The network said more than nine people were injured. --SPA 11:35 LOCAL TIME 08:35 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/974935