Mogadishu, Somalia - At least nine people were killed in a sectarian conflict in central Somalia late on Saturday.
The latest confrontation took place between followers of Ahlu Sunna wal-Jamea, a moderate Islamist sect, and fighters loyal to the radical Al-Shabaab at Wabho village, 360km north of Mogadishu.
According to local people, the fighting also left several people with injuries, and forced scores of others to flee to largely rural settlements.
More casualties
Sheikh Omar Sheikh Mohamed Farah, a prominent Ahlu Sunna wal-Jamea leader central Somalia, stated a fortnight ago that his followers will not allow Al-Shabaab group in a territory dominated by moderate Islamists.
Many people fled from Wabho village to other districts within Galgadud region, while others moved westwards towards Hiran region.
There may be more casualties as the fighting spreads to rural areas.