Aweys Osman Yusuf
Mogadishu

A Somali businessman died in the port town of Kismayu, southern Somalia, last night after local security forces and armed robbers clashed, exchanging gunfire amid curfew on the port city.

Heyle Abdi Abeyle, a well-known local tradesman, was in his business place when he was hit by the stray bullets, one of the security forces who asked to remain anonymous because he was not allowed to talk to the press, told Shabelle by the phone on Tuesday.

He said the robbers had infiltrated inside the biggest business area in the town, intending to ransack warehouses and shops.

"We were tipped that heavily armed men were in the market with the intent of robbery and the security forces surrounded the market," he said.

Local administration in the town imposed a curfew as insecurity became a widespread problem in Kismayu.