DHUSAMAREB, Somalia Dec 27 (Garowe Online) - Heavy fighting erupted in central Somalia on Saturday, in fierce fighting between two religious orders seeking control of a key town, Radio Garowe reports.

The fighting started suddenly around noon when a coalition of clan militias and Sufi fighters attacked the town of Guri El from the west.

At least 10 people were killed and 12 others wounded during the battle, which stopped when Al Shabaab guerrillas withdrew from Guri El, a small town in Galgadud region.

"Both sides used heavy weapons and most civilians fled the town," resident Osman Nur told Radio Garowe.

Al Shabaab commanders confirmed that their fighters withdrew from the town, but declined to elaborate.

Hospital hit

A mortar shell hit the emergency wing of Istarlin Hospital in Guri El, wounding at least three persons including a hospital worker.

There could be more wounded people who were not transported to the hospital, due to the circumstances there, hospital workers said.

Gunmen loyal to the Sufi group – Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jamee'a – had reportedly taken control of strategic locations inside Guri El, including key roads and facilities.

Al Shabaab guerrillas had taken control of Guri El town earlier this month after bitter battles against the Sufi fighters, who regrouped in the outskirts of town and retook control.

'Dead bones sold'

Sheikh Abdirahman Abu-Qadi, a spokesman for the Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jamee' a sect, told reporters that Al Shabaab is responsible for destroying the graves of revered sheikhs.

"The bones of Sheikh Nur Hussein have been sold to Italians and Jews and we do not know why," Abu-Qadi said.

Al Shabaab fighters have destroyed graves in Jilib and Kismayo districts, in Middle Jubba and Lower Jubba regions, respectively.

Abu-Qadi's allegation that the dead bones were sold could not be independently confirmed.

Meanwhile, Ethiopian troops stationed in Balanbal district, also in Galgadud, have reportedly moved eastward and set up base at a village 5km from Guri El, according to local reports.

RELATED:
READ: Sufi group accuses Al Shabaab of using foreigners to destroy graves
READ: Al Shabaab seize Galgadud capital, Sufi group rejects fighting

Source: Garowe Online