A massive exchange of shelling continued as pro-government forces and the AU peacekeepers, Amisom, in Mogadishu responded to attacks and fire from Islamist groups. The shelling mostly affected parts of Hodon District in South Mogadishu and Wardhigley District in downtown Mogadishu.At least 15 people died and over 50 wounded have been taken to Madina, Daynile and Isaleey hospital, according to ambulance services in the city. Neither the Transitional Federal Government nor the Islamists have commented on the deadly battles and shelling.
Elsewhere in parts of Hiran and Galgadud regions in Central Somalia, huge confrontations between Al-Shabaab fighters and followers of Ahlu Sunna wal-Jamea, a moderate Islamist group, caused deaths and injuries. Gobo village and surrounding areas in Hiran region was the scene of battles on Wednesday that later spread to other areas like Bila'ale in Hiran region and Wabho village in Galgadud.
Initial reports from Central Somalia indicate death of over 13 people and scores injured. Al-Shabaab, the Islamist group strongly opposing the TFG, accused Ahlu Sunna wal-Jamea for the attack and claimed victory in the latest confrontations in Central Somalia. There are reports of enormous displacement of the inhabitants in the affected villages, especially at Gobo.
Through a teleconference today, Sheikh Ali Mohamud Raghe, the spokesman of Al-Shabaab, has labelled Ahlu Sunna wal-Jamea, a moderate Islamic sect that is dominated by Sufiya sub-sect, being an Ethiopian puppet. "This group armed by the enemy has suffered a defeat and we captured arms and ammunitions from their forces," remarked Sheikh Raghe.
"Their beaten force run to Guri'el (a town 450 km north of Mogadishu)," added Sheikh Raghe. Ahlu Sunna wal-Jamea, an ally of the TFG, released no official statement mainly due to poor communications from the remote areas.