Heavy fighting erupts in central Somalia, 16 killed

12 Jan 12, 2010 - 12:31:05 PM

At least 16 people, mostly fighters have been killed and more than 21 others injured in heavy clashes between pro-government Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jamaa and Al-Shabaab insurgent group in a central Somali village.

The fighting broke out on Monday and continued into late Tuesday in Wabho village, near the central town of Elbur in Galgadud region where the two sides engaged on heavy gun battle.

Sheikh Abdullahi Abdirahman Abu Yussuf, a spokesman for the Ahlu-Sunnah group claimed that they have killed several of Al-Shabaab fighters.

"The fighting, which started early today and stopped later in the day was intense. Some of the dead bodies of Al-Shabaab fighters are scattered all over the place," he said, adding that the village together with neighbouring Warhole is still under their control.

The casualty from yesterday’s fighting is reportedly over 10 with some buried early today before the resumption of the clashes.

Clashes also rocked Warhole early on Tuesday and some reports suggest that as many as 12 people have been killed.

Abu Yussuf has vowed to continue with the fighter until they capture Elbur, a military base for Al-Shabaab.

"We will not stop the fighting until we seize the control of Elbur, which is currently under Al-Shabaab. We are prepared to clear the region from any Al-Shabaab power,” he noted.

A l-Shabaab officials are yet to comment about the latest clashes.

The two groups, which have been battling for the last two years, have started this year with heavy military confrontation over the control of major towns in central Somalia, which claimed the lives of more than 80 people.