Militia attack kills 2, could end Mogadishu truce

MOGADISHU, May 16 (Reuters) Islamic militias attacked a prominent Somali warlord and killed two of his fighters early today, in clashes that could spark a resumption of the worst battles in Mogadishu for a decade.

''Mohamed Dheere was attacked at (0630 IST) by the Islamic court militia on a road linking Mogadishu to Bal'ad. His forces have been dispersed, but I understand they are regrouping again,'' Siyad Mohamed, an Islamic militia leader, told Reuters.

The fighting was confirmed by a member of a self-styled, anti-terrorism alliance backed by powerful local warlords, including Dheere.

''He was attacked early this morning but I don't have further details,'' Omar Mahamud Mohamed, told Reuters by phone.

The attack ended a lull in violence that killed 150 people in an eight-day battle for the Somali capital that sent hundreds fleeing from rockets, mortars and heavy machine guns.

The fighting halted on Sunday after clan elders demanded a truce and sent their own fighters in to the worst hit districts to try to ensure it was not violated.

Dheere and his militia arrived from his stronghold in Jowhar at the weekend to join the fighting, which analysts view as a proxy battle between Islamist militants and Washington, which is widely believed to be funding the warlords.

The Islamic courts say dollars are being poured into Mogadishu to strengthen their enemies, while the warlords accuse their rivals of having links to al Qaeda.

REUTERS DKS KN1433