Heavy fighting has again broken out in the Medina district of Mogadishu, where militias loyal to faction leader Muse Sudi Yalahow are fighting those led by his former right-hand man, Umar Mahmud Muhammad Finish. The clashes began on the 18th and at least 10 people have been killed, with scores more wounded.

Humanitarian situation in the Bay region in southern Somalia has also worsened, following fighting between the Rahanweyn Resistance Army (RRA) chairman and his deputies over control of Baidoa town (about 300 km north west of Mogadishu). Landmines, recently laid along some of the roads connecting Baidoa and the rest of the Bay region, have further hindered delivery of relief supplies. As of March 17, the town has lost its status as an operational and supply base for aid agencies, as well as a hub for the UN Common Air service (UNCAS) flights. - Adam Geibel