Hiiraan Online
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Gunfire awoke residents of Caato village early Tuesday morning in renewed clashes that has claimed the lives of atleast 39 people; 12 of whom are reported to be Al Shabab fighters.
The governor of the south-western region of Bakool Mohamed Abdi Tall confirmed in an interview with the VOA Somali service that Al Shabab militants attacked the village early on Tuesday morning and clashed with the local clan militiamen who put up a resistance.
“The fighting was very heavy and it claimed the lives of 12 Al Shabab militants while 27 members of the local clan militias were also killed in the fighting” the governor said adding that the situation was still volatile.
Al Shabab militants have not returned our requests for comment.
Meanwhile, the regional governor said that residents in the city of Hudur are still experiencing difficult life conditions as large swathes of the city remains to be under siege.
Somali government forces and an Ethiopian contingent of AMISOM recaptured the city from Al shabab more than two and a half months ago. Since their removal the militatns have blocked the roads leading into the city effectively denying cruical aid, medical equipment and commerical goods into the city.
HOL English News Desk