3 slain in Somali violence

2003-07-21 15:43

Mogadishu - At least three people were killed and seven others wounded in Somalia's southern town of Baidoa in a clash involving rival gunmen, said residents contacted by radio on Monday.

"The fighting erupted about midnight and among those killed were two militiamen and a civilian," said Ahmed Hassanow by telephone.

The attackers were thought to have been armed men loyal to the Rahanwein Resistance Army faction of Colonel Hassan Mohamed Nur "Shatigudud", who wants to seize Baidoa from another RRA rival faction now controlling the town.

Baidoa, which is 250km west of Mogadishu, is controlled by Sheikh Adem Mohamed Madobe and Mohamed Ibrahim Habsade, formerly Shatigudud's deputies, who took charge late last year.

Somalia, ruled by clan warlords, has not had a recognised government since Siad Barre was toppled in January 1991.

- AFX