20100122

MOGADISHU (Reuters) - At least eight people were killed when insurgents from the hardline Hizbul Islam and al Shabaab rebel groups took a town in central Somalia from pro-government militia, residents and a rights group said.

More than a dozen others were injured when the rebels struck Baladweyne, capital of the Hiiran region, and wrestled it from clan militia loyal to the government and moderate Islamist group Ahlu Sunna Waljamaca.

"At least eight people were killed and 21 others were injured around Baladweyne. All these casualties took place in the suburbs of the town," Ali Yasin Gedi, the vice chairman of the Elman human rights group told Reuters.

One resident said the insurgents looted offices of the World Food Programme (WFP) and Save the Children (UK) aid agencies and carted off computers and other goods.

"I also saw them taking a car. Islamists are now in the town but the clan militia may return any time. Most of the residents fled days ago except a few poor ones like me," she said.

WFP said this month it was suspending much of its work in parts of the conflict-torn country.

Concerns about Al Shabaab, which is viewed by Washington as al Qaeda's proxy in the region, has risen in recent weeks due to its links with al Qaeda groups in the Arabian Peninsula.