20101015
africanews

At least 21 people have been reportedly killed and more than 52 others injured in heavy clashes between moderate Islamists of Ahlusuna Waljamea and Al-shabab fighters.

The fighting broke out on Friday when heavily armed Al-Shabab fighters attacked the central town of Dhusamareb, the capital of Galgadud region 500 km north of Mogadishu, to force out pro-government Ahlu Sunnah Wal-Jama militants, who previously controlled the strategic town.

Sheikh Abdullahi Abdirahman Abu Yussuf, a spokesman for Ahlu Sunnah Wal-Jama, told reporters that the town is still under their control.

Mr. Abu Yusuf has today confirmed that they have recaptured the town Dhusomareb, repelled Alshabab militants and inflicted heavy casualties.

The two Islamists have long history of animosity and the latest clashes are feared to ignite more violence in the central regions where they both have large military bases.

Somalia has had no central government since 1991 when former president Siyad Barre was overthrown by warlords.