10 dead in gun battle between Somali troops, militia

By Mohammed Dhaysane

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AA) - At least 10 people were killed and several others wounded when a fierce fighting between the military forces and a militia took place in Somalia's southwest, an official said on Monday.

The fight began after Somali special forces attacked the militia loyal to Abdirashid Janan, fugitive former security minister in Jubaland State.

Mohamed Gedi, a military official in Gedo administrative region, told Anadolu Agency over the phone that the fighting killed 10 people -- including soldiers, militants and civilians -- from Jubaland.

Civilian houses were also damaged in the gun battle, he said.

Col. Mohamed Adow Ali, commander in Somali National Army in Gedo, confirmed the fight and accused Kenyan government of shelling civilians homes in the town.

Eyewitness, who spoke to Anadolu Agency over the phone, said the fighting was deadly and spread to several villages close to Kenya.

Beled Hawo is a town located near Somali-Kenyan border and recently captured by Somali government from forces loyal to Janan, who escaped detention in Mogadishu and is now fighting with Somali military.