Fierce fighting between rival clans in central Somalia has killed at least 26 people in a dispute that began Saturday (December 1st) over grazing land and water, AFP reported.

"There are many casualties, the initial reports are of 26 people killed," said Mohamed Abdi Shire, a senior commander of the pro-government Ahlu Sunna wal Jamaa militia, which controls much of central Somalia.

Clashes broke out around the villages of Marer and Balalder between the rival Saleban and Duduble clans, killing both gunmen and civilians.

"We have received 18 injured people so far, three of them in a serious condition," said Ali Dahir, a doctor at the main hospital in nearby Adadao.

The Somali government condemned the violence. "On behalf of the Somali government, I call upon the two clans to stop the bloodshed," said Interior Minister Abdikarim Hussein Guled.