12 killed, 22 hurt in sectarian fighting in Somali

At least 12 people have been killed and 22 others wounded after Al-Shabaab militants attacked a mosque filled with celebrating Somalis.

Violence broke out on Sunday after Al-Shabaab fighters attacked hundreds of people attending festivities in a mosque in the town of Basra between Afgooye and Balcad, northwest of the capital Mogadishu.

Seven people lost their lives in the clashes that are still ongoing. Five Al-Shabaab militants were killed as well after attempting to enter the mosque as people were preparing for prayers.

Preceding the attack, the Al-Shabaab had accused the civilians in the mosque, belonging to the Ahlu Sunna Muslim group, of being apostates.

Somalia is no stranger to sectarian violence as thousands have died in recent years in ethnic and tribal clashes in the lawless Horn of Africa nation.