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| Africa Horn |
| Bloody Somali clashes kill 21, injure 30 |
| 2010-04-06 |
| Heavy clashes have broken out between two rival militant groups in central Somalia, leaving at least 21 people dead and over 30 others injured. The fierce fighting between loyalists of Somalia's most prominent anti-government group, al-Shabab, and their archrivals Ahlu Sunnah began in the Rage Ele area in Middle Shabelle on Saturday night and continued Sunday, a Press TV correspondent reported. The clashes, described as extreme, reportedly left at least 21 fighters dead and around 33 others injured. No civilian casualties have been reported, but eyewitnesses say with the scale of fighting, casualties are expected to rise on both sides. So far, both warring sides have claimed victory. Locals, however, say al-Shabab fighters have managed to capture the town. Meanwhile, clashes also broke out in the Gal-qoryale area that connects Elbur, al-Shabab's largest military base, and Guriel town, Ahlu Sunnah's stronghold in the central Galgadud region. Residents say al-Shabab attacked the area, driving the local fighters away. The government of President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed has recently brought Ahlu Sunnah on board ahead of an expected military push against the fighters. Reports say that hundreds of al-Shabab fighters have meanwhile massed in anticipation of another planned offensive against Ahlu Sunnah strongholds in central Somalia. Al-Shabab is fighting against the Somali government and African Union troops. |
| Posted by:Fred |