The militia of the Islamic courtsÂ’ union in the Somali capital Mogadishu who has these days been involving in truck-down assault against the anti terror allianceÂ’s militia won to capture a very strategy Balad town in middle Shabelle region on Sunday. The Islamic militiamen with militia loyal to Afgoie district of lower Shabelle Hussien Ali Irfo and the deputy chairman of peaceful commission in Balad town Mohamud Hussen Gudbaye, launched attacks from two directions to Balad town, 30km of the capital city and took the control of the town which formerly controlled by Muse Sudi, the trade minister in the transitional federal government and member of anti terror alliance. Local official confirmed Somalinet.
Before Balad town falling in hand, the fighting lasted for hour and half with both rival sides used all sorts of weapons with more casualties. At least 20 people including militias from both sides and civilians have been killed in the latest battle in which Islamic fighters took over the control of Balad, one of the most towns that anti terror alliance lose. Other sources from Balad town say the death toll mounts to 50 people because there are civilians in remote villages killed by stray bullets. It was the bloodiest battle since the start of the clashes between Islamists and secular warlords on 18 February 2006.