Al Shabaab gunmen and a suicide car bomber struck a religious centre in central Somalia, killing a cleric and at least nine of his followers, a police officer said.

Iran press/ Africa: "The militants killed 10 people including the cleric, 9 others who lived inside the camp in Galkayo, central Somalia" Police Major Abdirahman Abdullahi added.

According to Reuters,"fighting between security forces and al Shabaab still goes in the centre, the toll may rise," he also said.

Residents of Galkayo and a regional official said cleric may have also been targeted because his centre hosts mostly youths.

Al Shabaab - which is fighting to topple the government said it was behind the attack.

Somalia has been gripped by violence and lawlessness since dictator Mohamed Siad Barre was toppled in 1991. 101/202

 

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