At least 14 people were killed yesterday in fighting between rival Somali Islamist militia battling for control of the southern town of Afmadow, witnesses said.

The Al Qaeda-inspired Shebab fighters attacked the Hezb al-Islam militants and took control of the town located 100km north of Kismayo, a key port city in southern Somalia.

“The Shebab invaded and the Hezb al-Islam tried to defend themselves but they were overrun after the city was attacked from three different directions,” said Iman Abdi, an Afmadow resident.

Another resident, Ahmed Ali, said the Shebab came in large numbers and seemed well prepared for the assault.

“There could be renewed fighting because the Hezb al-Islam fighters are regrouping to recapture the town,” Ali said.

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