MOGADISHU, Somalia, Feb. 21 (UPI) -- Fighting has erupted in the predominantly Muslim country of Somalia between an armed Islamist group and various warlords.
The fighting, which entered the fourth day Tuesday, is largely in the capital Mogadishu among supporters of some of the city's militia leaders and the Islamist group.
Those opposed to the group say the Islamic courts are terrorizing the locals but a top cleric says the fighting will continue until the other side surrenders, reports the BBC.
So far the fighting has claimed at 15 lives, mostly civilians hit by stray bullets.
The East African country has been without a government since 1991 when the military regime of Mohammed Siad Barre was overthrown and clashes have continued among the various armed groups.