MOGADISHU, Somalia, June 6 (UPI) — Violence persisted Friday in Somalia, with fighting between rival groups in the central town of Wabho and several people killed in Mogadishu.

In Wabho, medical workers and local sources told the BBC at least 36 people had been killed.

The town was recently captured by Ahlu Sunna Walja, a group that has pledged support to Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed, the Somali president, Shabelle Media Network reported. But Sheik Muse Abdi Arale, a spokesman for Hizbul Islam, said Friday his group had retaken Wabho.

In the capital, fighting that began three weeks ago between government troops and militias left several people dead, Shabelle said.

Ahmed, who established some stability in Mogadishu as founder of the Union of Islamic Courts, was ousted by Ethiopian troops. He was then chosen as president at a convention held outside the country.

Source: UPI