Monday January 9, 2023
Beledweyne (HOL) - Heavy fighting was reported in Hiiraan's Mahas district between local clan militia forces and Al Shabab in Dunad village on Monday morning.
The fighting began after militia forces were warned of Al-Shabaab militant's plans to burn down water wells being built in the area.
The hour-long gun battle between the two sides resulted in several casualties, including deaths and injuries.
A Macawisley militia group leader told the local media that their fighters repulsed a terrorist attack and killed Al Shabaab fighters.
He confirmed that three people were injured in Monday's fight in Dunad village.
The al-Qaeda-affiliated armed group al Shabab, pushed out of Hiiraan's eastern districts by government and allied militia, sometimes carries out ambushes in the areas.
At least 15 people were killed in two car bomb blasts in the district of Mahas on Wednesday. Security officials and local leaders said Al Shabaab targeted two military bases in Mahas.