Muhyadin Ahmed Roble, AfricaNews reporter in Nairobi, Kenya Photo: Sheekh Aduun
At least 47 people were killed and 100 others wounded in a heavy fighting in the central town of Dhuusa Marreeb of Somalia, human rights groups and eyewitnesses said on Sunday.
Islamist rebel of Al-shabaab which has links with Al Qaeda attacked Dhuusa Marreeb, some 560 kilometres north of the capital Mogadishu on Saturday. Moderate Islamist of Ahlu Sunna Waljamaa has controlled the town since December 2008 when they took over from the Al-shabaab.
Ali Yasin Gedi, vice chairman of Elman Peace and Human Rights Group confirmed the number of casualties.
He said most of the dead and wounded are the fighters from the two sides and added "some civilians were also killed".
Gedi hinted the death toll might double as residents are still collecting bodies from alleys and under the trees.
Residents said those who fled the town are still at large and described the clash as one of the worst in recent times.
Reports say the Ahlu Sunna group which is controlling the town has embarked on an intensive patrol on the streets. The moderate group was founded to promote peace and Islam.
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