KISMAYO, Somalia Apr 21 (Garowe Online) -
At least 7 people were killed and 15 wounded in southern Somalia after Al Shabaab hardliners attacked a clan militia base in the outskirts of Kismayo, Radio Garowe reports.
The fighting erupted overnight Monday and continued into Tuesday morning, in a town called Bulo Haji, which is located 90km southwest of Kismayo, a strategic port city and the capital of Lower Jubba region.
"Young men from the area [Bulo Haji] were attacked," said Omar Ismail, an elder in Bulo Haji town.
Some reports said Al Shabaab fighters, who control Kismayo in an alliance with local clans, attacked the clan fighters grouped in Bulo Haji with the intention to take control of the town and establish an Islamist administration.
Most of the dead and wounded victims were described as fighters, but some wounded civilians were brought to Kismayo hospital.
It was not immediately clear which group now controls Bulo Haji town.
Last month, a group of young men fought against Al Shabaab in Jamame, a town in Middle Jubba region, after rejecting an Al Shabaab order to disarm.
RELATED:
READ:
Armed youngsters reject Al Shabaab order, fighting erupts
Source: Garowe Online
