Two die in Mogadishu battles

2005-02-28 12:19

Mogadishu - Two people died and at least nine others were wounded when fighting broke out early on Monday in the Somali capital Mogadishu, witnesses said.

Witnesses said that militias of the citys Islamic courts had clashed with residents of the so-called SOS Village area for control over that part of the capital.

Residents said guns as well as missiles had been used in the fighting.

Tension has risen in the Somali capital in recent weeks ahead of the planned relocation of the countrys government-in-exile from Kenya, and the proposed deployment of thousands of African Union peacekeeping troops.

Many warlords and prominent businessmen boasting their own militias are opposing any move that would curb their own influence in a country which has seen no central authority for over a decade. - Sapa-dpa

- SAPA