KISMAYO, Somalia Oct 21 (Garowe Online) - At least 12 people were killed during Wednesday clashes in southern Somalia between rival Islamist factions, Radio Garowe reports.

The fighting erupted at Birta Dheer village, located 90km northwest of the southern port of Kismayo, after Hizbul Islam rebels attacked Al Shabaab stronghold.

Local sources said the fighting was fierce around Birta Dheer, with tens of wounded fighters rushed to medical centers in Kismayo and Afmadow, the major base for Hizbul Islam in the region.

Birta Dheer, which is located halfway between Kismayo and Afmadow, has been the scene of intense fighting between Al Shabaab and Hizbul Islam since the beginning of October when Al Shabaab expelled Hizbul Islam rebels out of Kismayo.

Unconfirmed reports said 3 armed trucks belonging to Al Shabaab were seized by rival fighters loyal to Sheikh Ahmed “Madobe” Mohamed, a senior commander of Hizbul Islam.

Sheikh Hassan Yakub, Al Shabaab’s spokesman, confirmed the fighting “cost lives” but claimed that Al Shabaab “defended its position.”

A Hizbul Islam official named Sheikh Mohamed M. Ali told a press conference in Mogadishu that the fighting near Kismayo should stop.

“We request the fighting should stop and talks should be pursued, because it is clear to us that Al Shabaab is avoiding peace talks,” said Sheikh Mohamed, who is close to Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys, the Hizbul Islam rebel chief.

Since the beginning of hostilities in Kismayo, Sheikh Aweys has avoided confrontation with Al Shabaab guerrillas and has repeatedly called for peace among the anti-government rebels.

Sources said Hizbul Islam has broken up into two different wings, with Sheikh Ahmed Madobe leading the wing that continues the war with Al Shabaab to retake control of Kismayo, a strategic port city.

Source: Garowe Online