Somalia
Al Shabaab and Sufi group battle for second time in central Somalia
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Dec 5, 2008 - 9:11:03 PM

GURI EL, Somalia Dec 5 (Garowe Online) - Fighting among Islamist groups was reported for a second time this week in the town of Guri El, in central Somalia's Galgadud region, Radio Garowe reported Friday. Full story

There were no confirmed number of deaths, b ut witnesses reported seeing dead bodies on the ground as the battle raged.

Local hospital sources reported that seven persons were wounded during the fighting and the town of Guri El remained tense Friday night.

Witnesses said the fighting was between Al Shabaab guerrillas and fighters loyal to a Sufi group, Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jamee'a.

There are conflicting reports as to the source of the violence, but most reports indicate that the Sufi fighters were angered by Al Shabaab's refusal to sentence a murder suspect.

The suspect remains in Al Shabaab's hands, the sources added.

The Sufi group has enjoyed public support for decades in Somalia, while Al Shabaab is a relatively new phenomenon that grew out of lawlessness, violence and poverty.

Source: Garowe Online