10 people killed in clashes between clan militias in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia, Jan 3, 2004 (AP) — Gunmen from rival wings of a clan fought in central Somalia Monday using rocket-propelled grenades, anti-aircraft guns and assault rifles, killing at least 10 people and wounding several others, witnesses said.

It is unclear what sparked the battle between the Sa’ad and Suleiman wings of the Habargidir clan, Muse Ali Kalgaal, a businessman who witnessed the clashes, told The Associated Press by telephone.

Fighting broke out before dawn and escalated during the day, with both sides rushing in dozens of fighters in the Mudug region of central Somalia , Muse said.

Clashes between the same groups killed more than 100 people last month.

At least five people were taken to a district hospital for treatment during Monday’s clashes, all of them in critical condition, health workers said.

Somalia has had no effective central government since a rebellion ousted dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991, transforming the nation of 7 million people into a patchwork of battling fiefdoms.

A transitional federal parliament, whose members include Somalia ‘s main warlords and which is supported by the country’s traditional leaders, was formed in August to serve a five-year term.

Somali President Abdulahi Yusuf Ahmed has no civil service, treasury or even buildings to meet in. His government currently operates from neighboring Kenya because of lack of safety in Somalia .