At least 55 people, most of them combatants killed while over 60 others injured in heavy clashes between Somali government forces and rebel fighters in different parts of the country. Paramedics say most of the wounded are civilians whose houses have been the target of mortar shells and stray bullets.
In the capital Mogadishu, heavy gun battle between government soldiers and militant fighters in the capital’s northern districts of Hodan Hawlwadag and Wardhigley have claimed more than 15 people while dozens others wounded, according to residents.
In central Somalia, heavy gun battle in Bulabarde town, about 130 miles (210 kilometres) north of the capital, have killed more than 40 combatants and injured scores others.
Witnesses say fighting erupted after heavily armed government forces attacked the town, which was controlled by militant group Al-Shabaab, leading to all out war that lasted for several hours. Government forces later retreated after failing to overpower the militant group, one resident said.
The central Somali region has seen worst of clashes in recent weeks between armed groups and forces loyal to embattled UN-backed Somali government. The Horn of African nation has been without an effective government since the fall of Mohammed Siad Bare’s regime in 1991.
Source: Africanews.com