15 killed in violent clashes in Somalia
Somalia, Politics, 9/18/2004

Some 15 persons were at least killed in violent fighting that erupted to the south of Somalia between warring groups in a new round of fighting described as a new obstacle in the way to attaining stability.

Reports came from Somalia said that fighting erupted around Kesmayo port between militias known as "Jouba Valley alliance" and the "group of General Morgan."

A spokesman for general Morgan forces said that Jouba Valley Militias started the attack, noting that the fighting might be expanded during the few coming days.

On the other hand, Jouba Valley militias blamed General Morgan and accused him of setting ablaze new round of fighting which raised doubts on the possibility of resuming peace negotiations shortly.

The fighters of the two warring sides exchanged control over Kesmayo port since the eruption of fighting between themselves in 1999. The port is situated 500 Km to the south of Mogadishu and is considered the main trade port for Somalia.

Somalia fell into a tribal and civil war following the collapse of the regime of President Seyad berri in 1991. Since that date thousands of Somalis were killed in inter-fighting.

Previous Stories:
  Speaker of the interim parliament in Somalia elected   (9/16/2004)
  Expected fighting after the collapse of the Somali peace talks   (9/7/2004)
  Somali parliament elects a speaker next month   (9/4/2004)

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