MOGADISHU, Somalia, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- A new round of fighting between competing Islamic factions in Somalia's Hiran region entered its fourth day with increasing casualties, Somalia media reported.
The death toll reached 13, with more than 75 people, mostly civilians, wounded in the latest outbreak, Shabelle radio reported Wednesday. Government-backed Ahlu Sunna forces are trying to recapture the Hiran capitol Beledweyn from rebel Hizbul Islam forces, the report said.
The two groups began fighting a year ago.
Hizbul Islam is attempting to gain control over Somalia and create a strict Islamic state, while Ahlu Sunna advocates a moderate version of Islam, the Voice of America reported.
Mortar shells landed in business areas and several residential neighborhoods as people fled their houses, Shabelle said.
Yusuf Ahmed Hagar, former governor of the Hiran region, claimed Ahlu Sunna was gaining the upper hand and had entered some of the Beledweyn neighborhoods. But Shuriye Farah Sabriye of the rebel Hizbul Islam administration predicted the rebels would drive government forces out and end the battles in the town, Shabelle said.
