Three people have been reported killed and another 90 wounded in clashes in a Tunisian mining town.

Tunisian government officials say the fighting between members of tribal factions in Metlaoui was triggered Friday by rumors that only certain tribes will be offered jobs at the nearby Gafsa phosphate complex, the region's main employer.

Shops were set on fire and there were shootings with hunting rifles before a curfew was imposed.

Anger over the lack of jobs in Tunisia helped fuel demonstrations in January that forced former President Zine Al-Abidine Ben Ali from power and sent him into exile.