Militias Storm Somalia Regional Leader’s Residence Over Detained Commander

Somalia

MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Heavily armed clan militias have stormed the residence of the president of Hirshabelle regional state Ali Gudlawe in the southern Somalia town of Jowhar on Wednesday after dispute over detained commander.

Gunmen exchanged heavy gunfire with the regional security forces in a fierce fighting that lasted for several hours in the Hantiwadaag neighborhood of the town, though troops have later managed to repel the assault.

Regional president’s bodyguard is among those killed in the fighting with several other people wounded, including soldiers and militias.

Exact number of casualties has not been immediately known.

The clashes have come after security forces arrested the commander of the Ma’awisley militias over dispute on road taxes collected in the towns of the region.

Hirshabelle authorities have not yet commented on the fighting, which comes as the region faces deteriorating humanitarian situation as a result of floods due to recent rains.

Contact us: info@somaliguardian.com

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