11 killed in fighting in the south of Somalia

At least 11 persons were killed and 23 others injured in violent fighting that took place on Saturday between two warring factions in Bedalwa city in the south of Somalia.

Witnesses expected an increase in the outcome of the confrontations due to the heavy weapons used by the two sides of the fighting of machine guns installed on trucks and missiles.

A former Somali military figure said that the fighting continued until the fall of night, noting that the killed persons are seven members of the militias and four civilians.

While fighting continues, other witnesses said that the fighting is taking place between forces supporting col. Hassan Muhammad Sahtti Qaddoud, who by his turn is supported by Ethiopia, and the supporters of Muhammad Ibrahim Habsadawi, both of them members in the Interim Somali Parliament.

It is very common for militia leaders to exchange accusations over reasons behind the eruptions of confrontations. Reports said that the conflict erupted over the place where the government will be stationed and the nature of the role to be carried out by the Ethiopian peace keeping force in protection of the government.