Friday April 28, 2023
Beledweyne (HOL) - Rival clan militias clashed in central Somalia's Hiiraan region, leaving at least five militiamen from both sides dead and ten others wounded, according to community elders and residents on Thursday.
The fighting started in the Afar Irdod neighbourhood after one of the clan militias ambushed the other in the nearby Mataban district, leading to the death of two herders, residents reported.
Hiiraan regional administration officials attempted to resolve the tensions two days ago, but the ongoing feud between the Hawadale and Habargidir clans continued, leading to the latest clashes.
On Thursday, members of the Hiiraan administration, Mataban district, and military officials visited the fighting site and called for an immediate end to the fighting between the tribal militias.
Although previous deals were made between the two communities to end the conflict, the Hawadale and Habargidir militias have resumed inter-fighting as the agreements have not always been effective.