LAS Soldiers loyal to Somalia's separatist region of Somaliland attacked a mountainous region where pirates are suspected to be hiding a German couple kidnapped last month, Radio Garowe reported on Sunday.

The fighting erupted around noon in Almadow Mountains of Sanaag region, a territory disputed between Somaliland and the neighboring region of Puntland.

There were no reports of casualties available, but local sources said that civilians were involved in the battle against the Somaliland soldiers.

Traditional elders intervened to stop the fighting and mediated the withdrawal of Somaliland forces from the area.

The pirates who kidnapped a German man and his wife on June 23 are said to still be holding them captive.

Tensions remain high in the area as Somaliland and Puntland called in reinforcements and local clan militias joined forces with the pirates.