Gun battles between clan militias killed at least 10 people in central Somalia on Monday, local elders and hospital staff said. Disputes flare sporadically between clans in the Horn of Africa nation. Some clans support Islamist insurgents against the Ethiopian-backed government.One local leader, Ali Diriye, said eight fighters and two civilians died as the forces clashed over disputed land near Galkayo, a town north of the capital Mogadishu. "Both clans collected their dead and wounded and we're mediating between the two sides," he told Reuters by telephone.
A nurse at Galkayo hospital, Mohamed Ali, confirmed at least 10 deaths. He said 14 wounded had been brought to the hospital.