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Fiji army, rebels exchange fire

Fiji military soldiers and supporters of coup leader George Speight exchanged gunfire at the parliamentary complex early this morning.

Some of the rebels were reportedly injured in the shooting.

The clash occurred when Speight's civilian supporters noticed soldiers at the fringes of the complex.

AFP adds: Meanwhile, a military unit mutinied on Fiji's second island of Vanua Levu, martial law spokesman Colonel Filipo Tarakinikini said today.

The unit has taken control of an army base in the main town of Labasa, he said.

Sources said 95 percent of the soldiers on the base were loyal to Speight.

The mutineers, led by Beni Voseaca, have loaded weapons on to two trucks but it was not immediately known where they were headed.

The army headquarters in Suva said they "were caught off guard" by the news and were trying to find out more.

"We're not in any position to give any more information," army public relations officer Captain Eroni Volavola said.

The mutiny comes amid reports the army is trying to reopen talks with Speight to obtain the release of the hostages.

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