20100405
PRESS TV

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.

Somalia has not had a functioning government since warlords toppled Siad Barre in 1991.

The vacuum of power opened a Pandora's Box of chaos and violence as warlords and their militias have fought for power ever since.

The Union of Islamic Courts created a semblance of peace and order in southern Somalia for about six months in 2006, but the Ethiopian invasion of December 2006 ended the brief lull in the storm.