Somalia: Hundreds flee in clashes between gunmen of Ras Kamboni and Iftin Hassan Basto groups in Kismayo
Hundreds were fleeing the clashes on Saturday, the first since several former warlords staked rival claims on the lucrative port and fertile hinterlands in May.
Gunmen from the Ras Kamboni armed group of Ahmed Madobe, recently self-appointed “president” of the southern Jubaland region, battled against forces loyal to Iftin Hassan Basto, another leader claiming to be president.
“Fighting started when soldiers from Ras Kamboni attacked and tried to arrest me,” Basto said.
“But my men fought back and defended me.”
Several rival factions claim ownership of Kismayo, a former stronghold of the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabaab, where Kenyan troops in an African Union force are now based.