Islamic infighting erupts in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia, Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Members of two rival Islamic groups engaged in a fierce firefight Sunday in the Somali town of Dhusamareb, witnesses said.

The Shabelle Media Network said the battle in the provincial capital of Somalia's Galgadud region marked a second day of armed conflict between members of the al-Shabab insurgent group and Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a fighters.

Witnesses to the conflict said both Islamic groups were using rockets and heavy machine guns.

The renewed violence comes in the wake of a deadly clash between the groups in the town of Guriel Saturday.

The media network said before Ahlu Sunna fighters successfully gained control of the town, 10 people died and more than six others were injured in the conflict.

CNN said, according to witness accounts, dozens of people had already lost their lives during the weekend in the groups' confrontations.

The U.S. government has tabbed the al-Shabab militia, which wants Somalia to live under Islamic sharia law, a terrorist organization.