Rebels 'seize Somali town'

2008-05-17 09:20

Mogadishu - A human rights leader says Islamist fighters have seized a southern town in Somalia that is a major agricultural centre and impelled hundreds of refugees to flee.

Ali Bashi, of Fanole rights groups, says Islamic Courts Union fighters ousted militiamen loyal to Somalia's fragile government in fighting overnight in Jilib that killed three militia fighters and wounded three others.

Bashi says Islamist fighters were patrolling the town on Saturday. He said many civilians fleeing already were refugees from fighting in Mogadishu, the capital, which is 815km north of Jilib.

- AP