DHUSAMAREEB (SD) – Galmudug President Ahmed Qoorqoor has accused Ahlu Sunna Waljamaa of being responsible for the deadly fighting in Guriel town in central Somalia, saying his government reached out to the moderate group but was forced to send the military to Guriel.

In a video statement for the first time since the dighting in Guriel broke out, Qoorqoor extended condolences to the families of the victims killed in the four-day fighting.

“We deeply sorry for what happened to our people in Guriel town. We are sending our sincere condolences to the families of those killed in the fighting and pray quick recovery for those wounded in the clashes,” he said.

The president noted that his administration had been trying reach out to Ahlu Sunna for talks for more than 22 days all diplomatic options were exhausted before the decisive action.

“We had tried all means to have talks with the so called Ahlu Sunna Waljamaa but the circumstance had forced the government to defend its people. This group had been occupying this town for 22 days,” Qoorqoor said.

Meanwhile, Qoorqoor pointed fingers at individuals in the state and ‘foreigners’ for fueling the conflict and backing Ahlu Sunna. He did not name individuals but threatened to do so unless the accused parties stop the incitement.

Qoorqoor also said he was forming an inter-ministerial committee to mobilise aid support for the displaced and also urged medical personnel to treat all those who need medical help from both sides.

Fighting which broke out last Saturday had reportedly killed 120 people with more than 15o other wounded.