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Somalia capital clashes kill dozens
Sun. July 09, 2006 08:09 am. -
Mohamed Abdi Farah
(SomaliNet) At least 20 people mostly militiamen have been killed and more than 40 others were wounded in heavy gun battle between Islamic militiamen and militia loyal to Colonel Abdi Hassan Awale 'Qeybdid' on Sunday – this is in violation of the recently signed peace accord in Sudan June 22, Somalinet correspondent reports.
The fighting which started early morning has intensified with both rival militias exchanging all sorts of weapons.
Medical sources confirmed the death of more than 10 people mostly civilians who were killed in stray bullets crushed into their homes.
15 wounded civilians including a baby who was injured by a rocket shell have been laid in Banadir hospital in Mogadishu.
The Council of Islamic Courts (CIC) claimed that their militia have captured key positions from militia loyal to Col. Qeybdid like Asluubta, a former military compound and Ex-control, the main southern entrance of the Somalia capital.
Islamic courts spokesman said they have captured three battlewagons from militia of Abdi Qeybdid in the clashes.
Independent reports also say three battlewagons owned by Islamic courts have been burnt down in the latest clashes.
Residents in the areas of the battle began fleeing their homes fearing the stray bullets.
Early in the day the Islamists have taken control of West police station locally known as Saldhig Galbed in Dharkenley district of Mogadishu city from militia loyal to Hussien Mohamed Aideed, the interior minister of the transitional federal government.
Earlier, Hussein Aideed told the local media that his militia was attacked by Islamic gunmen and his militia is obliged to defend themselves from Islamic courts.
The sounds of artillery fires and machine guns could be heard around former US embassy in southwest of the capital where rival militias battle for power.
Amid the clashes seems to be subsided, there is still high tension and both sides are regrouping.
Meanwhile, the transitional federal government based in Baidoa, condemned the latest break out of fighting in the capital as in breach of the ceasefire signed in Sudan and it appealed to stop the bloodshed and do favour for the civilians.
News Category: Somalia
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