Jowhar — Fighting between the pro government Islamic Courts Union and allied Harakat Al Shabab Mujahideen and Hizbul Islam have started in Magurto village near Mahaday district about 23 km north of Jowhar, witnesses and officials said on Sunday.

Moalim Dahir Adow Alasow, the leader of the Islamic Courts Union told Shabelle Radio that they have been attacked and defended the invading forces as he said.

The two sides have recently fought in the area and more people fled from the region in fear for further clashes between the two sides.

There is no word from Al-Shabaab and Hizbul Islam about the latest clashes in Magurto Village.