At least 20 people were killed in a two-day fierce gun-battle between rival militias in central Somalia. More than 40 others are said to have been injured after Galmudug forces and Ahlu Sunna wal-Jamea, a Sufi militia, in central Somalia, clashed in Friday and Saturday.

The two sides reportedly locked horns over control of Herale town in the Galgadud region. Local media reported relative calm in the area on Saturday after President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo called for immediate ceasefire Friday.

"An ugly war has taken place at Herale over the last several days," said President Farmajo. "It is intolerable and must be stopped immediately."

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Fighters from a Sufi militia group rest. Photo/Nation Media Group