Ten killed in Central Somalia unrest
Two days of bloody unrest between Somali government troops and fighters loyal to the moderate Islamic sect Ahlusuna in Gura’el town in Galgadud Region have left at least thirty people dead.Clashes erupted on Wednesday over control of the city, claiming nearly 20 people dead and wounding 30 others.
The death of ten people in continuing fighting on Thursday has brought the overall toll to 30 killed.
Eyewitness said on Thursday there were heavy exchanges of fire in the city as both sides resort to heavy weapons including RPGs and automatic machine guns.
Residents say that Alusunna Waljama fighters have seized the city from government soldiers.
Government forces are stationed outside and fighting is continuing forcing people to flee their homes to the bushes, Marayan Ali a local resident told APA.
Locals said bodies of fighters have been seen lying on the city streets.
I have counted at least ten dead bodies all were wearing military uniforms but it is difficult to which side they belong to another resident Ali Hussein told APA by phone.
Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mahmud on Wednesday visited Dhusamareb, the capital of Galgagaud region.
A moderate Islamic group, Alsunna Waljama emerged as a force fighting against Shabaab in 2011, forcing the militants to flee from several strategic districts in central Somalia.
