5/3/11
By: Malyun Ali
MOGADISHU (RBC) Somalia President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed claimed victory over Al-Shabab after a day-long fighting between government forces and the Al-Shabab rebels occurred in Garbaharey town of Gedo region.
The fighting broke out early on Monday morning after Al-Shahab fighters attacked government controlled town of Garbaharey which is the provincial capital of Gedo region.
At least 15 persons from the warring sides and civilians were killed in the fighting that ended in the evening of Monday while twenty more wounded people were taken to hospitals, health officials confirmed RBC Radio.
“The government forces gained remarkable victory in the fighting as you know the Al-Shabab attacked on the town of Garbaharey and they were defeated. We can confirm senior officials were killed,” President Sheikh Sharif told reporters in Mogadishu villa Somalia palace.
He added that fighting will continue until the government manages the whole country and gets rid of Al-Shabab rebels aided by al-Qaeda.
But Al-Shabab spokesman Sheikh Abiaziz abu Mus’ab told reporters in Mogadishu by phone the Al-Shabab entered and seized eastern part of Garbaharey town as he argued that also they seized armed vehicles and weapons from government and Ahlu suna militia.
Eye witnesses told RBC Radio three persons from one family were killed after a mortar shelling destroyed their home in Garbaharey.
