At least 11 people were killed and dozens more injured in fighting between militia gunmen split over loyalties to Somalia's fledgling national government. The dead included at least five civilians caught in the cross fire. The gunbattle began late Wednesday and continued into Thursday in the central Medina district, and pitted militiamen loyal to powerful faction leader Musa Sude Yalahow against those loyal to his senior commander, who agreed to join forces with the government. Cmdr. Omar Mohamed Mohamud signed a deal with President Abdiqasim Salad Hassan's government last week. Yalahow, one of two Mogadishu faction leaders opposed to the government, refused to attend the talks. The fighting broke out when large numbers of militiamen prepared to welcome Mohamud back from Kenya. The battle involved several hundred gunmen and more than 10 pickups fitted with anti-tank and anti-aircraft guns. At least six gunmen were killed. AFP put the toll at 22 dead and 50 wounded.
Hey, you guys just fight it out. Let us know when you're done, okay? |