OGADISHU -- At least 7 persons including 2 civilians were killed during renewed clashes on Wednesday in Lower Shabelle region south of Mogadishu, Garowe Online reports.The fighting erupted in Wanlaweyn district after some government troops "attempted to disarm" another group of government troops. At least 15 people were also killed during the armed confrontation. Wanlaweyn residents said heavy gunfire could be heard across town and government sources said military officers were en route to Wanlaweyn to calm tensions among government troops.
Since 2012, Somali government troops deployed in Lower Shabelle region have fought each other along clan lines, while Barawe coastal town in Lower Shabelle region remains the largest stronghold of Al Shabaab militants in southern Somalia.