Militia of Islamic courts is reported to have taken the control of key positions in southern Mogadishu like Hotel Sahafi building owned by Abdirashid Ilkeyte who is member of anti terror alliance and area of KM4-junction, where the renewed clashes started on Thursday. It would be another blow to alliance of warlords. Abdirashid Ilkeyte, the owner of Hotel Sahafi, once very popular, confirmed the local media that his hotel has fallen in the hands of Islamic militiamen after militia of the alliance backed out the fighting then his men couldnÂ’t stand with the continuation of the battle and suddenly withdrew the hotel building. Mr. Ilkeyte said two of his bodyguards were killed and others more have been injured in todayÂ’s fighting. Mr. Ilkeyte declined to comment on what he is about to do the next since his hotel is now under the control of Islamic fighters.
Leaders of both rival sides declined to comment on their casualties. At least eight people most of civilians have been killed and more than 50 others were wounded in the latest fierce clashes in southern Mogadishu. Medical officials in Medina hospital confirmed Somalinet. 30 of the wounded are in serous condition. |