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UPDATE
Al-Shabaab Fails to Seize Village in Hiran
Clashes Kill 8 as Al-Shabaab Attacks ASWJ Supported Village
By ABDI FATAH HASAN FARAH , MOHAMED ODOWA 06/05/2011
UPDATE: ASWJ forces kicked al-Shabaab militants out of a second village today - Har Har (Xaar Xaar) village, 60 km east of Beledweyen, the provincial capital of Hiran region. ASWJ forces attacked al-Shabaab in Har Har, forcing the insurgents to flee once again.
8 people, including al-Shabaab militant fighters, were killed and more than 20 others wounded in the clashes between the insurgents and pro-government Ahlu Sunna Wal Jamaa (ASWJ) forces in the central Somalia regions of Hiran province.
Locals in Heef village told Somalia Report that the fighting broke out late Saturday when militias loyal to the hard-line group al-Shabaab attacked the village in attempt to seize it from local militias supported by ASWJ, a moderate Sufi group.
Al-Shabaab fighters came into Heef village but were denied entry by the local militias and residents who wanted al-Shabaab to stay away. Shortly thereafter, al-Shabaab attempted to seize the village and fierce fighting broke out, according to Heef resident Jama Hure who spoke to Somalia Report.
Mr. Jama said al-Shabaab failed to capture the village and 8 people have been confirmed killed and 20 others were injured in the fighting.
“We were the ones who fought against al-Shabaab as they attacked our village. We are local militias and fully support Ahlu-Sunna Wal Jamaa that have been engaged in deadly clashes and now control swashes of neighboring Gal-gaduud region after seized it from al-Shabaab insurgents," local Muse Barre Aalin told Somalia Report. "We defeated them and killed 6 fighters and on our side we have lost 2 bothers,” added Barre.
He said 15 Al-shabaab insurgents were wounded in the clashes and were chased from the village.
