At least eight people have been killed and others more were wounded in a heavy gun-battle between militia loyal to alliance for the restoration of peace and counter terrorism and union of Islamic courts has renewed in north of Mogadishu.The fighting erupted when militia loyal to the counter terrorism alliance opened fire on a luxury Toyota car Mark II owned by Islamic courts. The gun-battle erupted at Siisii around 12:00 local time in North Mogadishu, when militia loyal to Nor Daqli, local militia commander linked with the Anti-terror Alliance of power.
In an interview with radio Shabelle, the chairperson of Islamic courts Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed blamed militia led by Nor Daqli for the clashes, saying he is linked with the alliance of anti-terror. But Mr. Daqli himself denied the accusations that he started the battle.
| "Lies! All lies!" |
During the gun battle, in which fighters used heavy machine guns and rocket propelled grenades, a mother of six, who was dealing a khat at a Kiosk near by and two young men on the Islamic courtÂ’s car were seriously wounded. Heavily armed militias from both sides took up their positions in the village creating uncertain situation.
Islamic courts have brought a semblance of order to Mogadishu, imposing Sharia law after years of rule by warlords. However there is some opposition to the courts. A group of warlords has been fighting a militia loyal to the Islamic courts, which they accuse of links to al-Qaeda.