Islamist groups turn against each other in Somalia

India's News.Net
Tuesday 13th January, 2009

Rival Islamist groups in central Somalia have clashed over the control of a small trading town.

As many as 30 people died in the clashes which are indicative of the sharp divisions within Somalia's insurgency movement.

The fighting took place between the radical al-Shabab militia and fighters loyal to a newly-militarized Sufi Muslim group.

The town, about 370 kilometers north of the capital Mogadishu, was attacked by the fighters who used mortars and heavy weapons.

The groups were battling for control of the town.

The al-Shabab group has ties to al-Qaeda and is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States.

The group has been united with some smaller clans against Ethiopia's military presence in Somalia.

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