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SOMALIA: Ato denies plans for joint force with the TNG

NAIROBI, 23 July (IRIN) - Faction leader Usman Ato has denied that he agreed to form a joint security force with the Transitional National Government (TNG), to be deployed at the scene of recent clashes between his militia and a pro-TNG militia, Mogadishu-based Banaadir radio, monitored by the BBC, reported on 21 July.

Habar Gedir-Sa'd militia loyal to Ato fought with Habar Gedir-Ayr militia working for businessmen on 15 and 16 July at the KM-7 checkpoint southwest of Mogadishu. The businessmen reportedly support the TNG, which a number of faction leaders like Ato oppose. Habar Gedir elders intervened and stopped the fighting on the afternoon of 16 July, local sources told IRIN. Under a subsequent agreement, negotiated by clan elders on Monday, the two sides agreed "to withdraw the bulk of their militia from the checkpoint", with a small unit comprising members of both sides remaining there, Awil Hashi, a Mogadishu resident told IRIN.

Meanwhile three people were killed and five wounded on 22 July when two armed groups clashed near the Fagaraha junction in north Mogadishu, Banaadir radio reported that day, but without elaborating the causes of the incident.

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