GURI’EL, Somalia, February 24, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Despite on-going mediation efforts, Somali government forces and Ahlu Sunna Wal Jamea militia briefly clashed in gun battle in the outskirts of Galgadud regional district of Guri’el, Garowe Online reports.

A spokesman for Ahlu Sunna accused government forces of initiating the armed confrontations by opening fire at their militiamen on Tuesday morning.

Residents confirmed that the situation returned calm but both sides remain on southern frontlines as of now.

Somalia government forces and the moderate paramilitary group previously clashed in deadly battles, seeing troops loyal to the UN-backed weak central government ousted.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud launched a reconciliation conference in Galgadud regional capital of Dhusamareb in early February.

Galmudug, Ahlu Sunna and Himan and Heeb agreed on the formation of a federal state consisting of south Mudug and Galgudud in July 2014. 

GAROWE ONLINE