Confrontations and killings in Somalia

Some 12 persons were killed and another 17 reported wounded in confrontations between warring factions during the 24 past hours in Makadishu and in southern Somalia.

AFP said that five persons were killed in battles that erupted between members of Shekal tribe, which falls under Howby in the popular Souk (market) of Bakara in the capital, where three were killed and ten were wounded as a result of gunfire exchanged between the two warring factions while trying to settle financial disputes.

Elsewhere, two militia members were killed in a dispute over a contract with a Swedish solidarity society to ensure society's safety in the city of Beletween, in the southern part of the country.