Five killed in Somalia after rival militia clash

NAIROBI, May 24 (Reuters) Two militia groups responsible for Mogadishu's worst gun battles in over a decade have killed at least five people after a week-long break in fighting, residents said today.

Twelve others were wounded in the run-down Siisii area of Mogadishu late on Tuesday when militia linked with Islamic courts clashed with fighters backed by a elf-styled 'anti-terrorism'' coalition of warlords.

All the casualties were civilians.

The two rival groups last fought on May 17 outside the battle-scared city when the Islamic courts militia ambushed a village controlled by Mohamed Dheere, a member of the warlords coalition, and killed five of his men ''The fighting started at around 11 a m in Siisii and ended two hours later,'' Ali Nur, a coalition militia member told Reuters by phone from the battle scene. ''Five people were killed and 12 wounded by stray bullets.'' The same two militias have been locked in fierce battles that have killed more than 250 people since February. Analysts view the fighting - laced with commercial and political motives - as a proxy war between Washington and Islamic militants.

The United States considers anarchic Somalia, without an effective government since the ouster of former dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991, a sanctuary for al Qaeda in east Africa.

Abdifatah Abdikadir, a Mogadishu resident, said the city was tense amid fears of new clashes, spurred on by radio broadcasts.

''The Islamic courts are telling people to oppose the warlords, who are being supported by America,'' Abdikadir said.

The Islamic courts could not be reached immediately for comment.

Many in Somalia believe the U S government is funds the warlords alliance as part of its global campaign against terrorism. U S officials have never directly answered the allegations but said Washington will work with anyone it considers a counter-terrorism ally.

Nur said a ceasefire called by elders and peace activists which had been holding for nearly a week now looks fragile.

''A senior coalition member yesterday accused the mediators of sympathising with the Islamists,'' Nur said. ''I think the sentiment will have a negative impact on the ceasefire ... They can start fighting anytime again.'' REUTERS SHR BST1959