MOGADUSHU (Sunatimes)The opposing sides in Somalia have claimed contrary victories over the latest confrontations that left 20 people dead and dozens more wounded in the capital Mogadishu.

The allied forces of Sufi’s Ahlu-Suna group and the government supported by the African Union troops confronted on Thursday the Al-Qaeda affiliated militant group of Al-Shabaab in parts of Mogadishu.

Spokesman for Al-Shabaab Sheik Abdiaziz Abu Musab told the local media their fighters achieved success over the war in the capital. “We have killed many soldiers from Allah’s enemy in the latest fighting that took place in Hodan and Howlwadag districts.”

On the government side, army commander and spokesman for Ahlu Suna claimed victory over the fighting and said they have killed several insurgent groups.

Mogadishu city, the capital of Somalia has been a scene of repeated heavy clashes between rival forces for the past three years.

 By A Hersi