Ten combatants were reportedly killed in heavy fighting between Hizbul Islam and pro-government militia Ahlu-Sunnah Wal-Jama™a near Beledweyne. Ahlu Sunna Wal-Jama™a fighters captured four suspected bombers in Dolow. Hizbul Islam conducted security operations in the areas between lower Shabelle and Bay regions southwest of Mogadishu. A helicopter dropped a $4 million ransom payment onto the deck of a Chinese coal ship hijacked by pirates in mid-October.
