Kenya, Somalia in dispute over port city; 10 dead in violence; UN Security Council concerned

MOGADISHU, Somalia – The al-Qaida-linked militants in Somalia who once controlled the southern port city of Kismayo are gone, but now a fight for control of the city has broken out.

At the heart of the divide is Kenya's desire for a friendly buffer zone near its border with Somalia, one of the main reasons Kenya sent troops to Somalia to fight al-Shabab militants in late 2011.

Ahmed Madobe is the key power broker around Kismayo. Supported by Kenya, Madobe formed a local administration and named himself president without the approval of the Somali government. Adding to the chaos, four other clan leaders also declared themselves president.

Clan violence has left at least 10 people dead in recent days, drawing concern from the United Nations Security Council.