(SomaliNet) At least 20 people were killed and dozens more were injured in fierce battle that renewed in the rural areas of Hiran region in central Somalia on Saturday ? as the fighting spread to the neighboring region of Galgadud. Sources say the fighting, which was between Murursade and Hawadle clans in same settlement, took place in Gorof and Goobo villages of Hiran province. Both clans belong to Hawiye, one of the four major tribes in Somalia. The rival clans have had clan-feud. Reports from Beledweyne, the provincial capital of Hiran region told Somalinet that conflict has intensified and spread into nearby Galgadud region where the rival sides continue to kill each other.
The latest outbreak of the clan fighting came as negotiations under way to go between the warring sides to tackle the long-running conflict. They have long been fighting for pastoral and land ownership.
The current transitional government did not yet give comment about the clan fighting in central Somalia. On August 9, nine people were killed in revenge attack near El-Bur town of Galgadud region in central Somalia. Armed militiamen from Hawadle clan invaded Wabho village 40km east of El-Bur town killing nine men of Murursade clan.