At least six pirates have been killed in fighting between pirates over a ransom in the coastal town of Harardere , in Somalia ’s central region of Mudug.

The record-breaking ransom, which was estimated to be US$7 million, was taken from Greek oil tanker Maran Centaurus released on Monday.

Harardere town is the second base of Somali pirates and the battle between the two groups left at least 6 people, including civilians dead and ten others injured. Civilians were among the injured people.

"Three pirates and three civilians died in the clashes which occurred in the district, some residents were also among the wounded people with most hit by stray bullets" said Ali a resident in Harardere.

Witnesses said residents fear another armed clash among the pirates.

"The clashes occurred after pirates took ransom from Greek oil tanker Maran Centaurus, which was held for months," said Abdullahi Ali a resident in Harardere.

The pirates gave some US$200,000 dollars to the crews comprised of 28 crews, urguing that the money was goodbye gesture for their former hostages, who stayed with them longer.

Harardere elders told Garowe Online there is fear of clashes but they are trying to mediate the two groups and broker harmony.

The ransom-hunting Somali pirates have made millions of dollars from the hijacking of international vessel transiting in the Gulf of Aden , one of the world’s most busiest shipping lanes.

GAROWE ONLINE