23 persons killed, 19 wounded in Somalia

Some 23 persons were killed and another 19 reported to be wounded in fierce battles that took place on Wednesday in Kesmayu city, southern Somalia. Local citizens said the dead include six civilians.

The two warring sides are the Marihan tribe which rallied with the Somali National Front and the Majirtin tribe led by Lt. Gen. Muhammad Saeed Hercy.

Kesmayu is under the control of Majirtin tribe, whereas forces of the Somali National Front had withdrawn from the city to their central headquarters outside Kesmayu.