Baidoa — Islamist insurgent forces from Hizbul Islam said Monday they have destroyed tombs and other burial grounds in Biyoley residence in Bakol region in south Somalia.

The Islamists said they have done operations in Tayeglow district in Bakol region to destroy burial grounds in the area.

The move will anger many Sufi organizations who pay homage to the graves.

Sufyan Moalin Adan, the commander of Hizbul Islam who contacted Shabelle Radio from Teyeglow district said they have destroyed six tombs which famous Sheiks were buried. He described the graves as un-Islamic.

The mystical organizations in Somalia worship in Mosques with graves inside but other Islamic organizations oppose it, coming up with other Islamic interpretations.

It is widely believed that the operation of destroying burial grounds in the area will affect two -hundred year old holy shrines which well-known Sheiks are buried and still many people pay homage to them.