Security guards clash with militias in deadly battle over arms shipment in central Somalia

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Tuesday July 16, 2024

Abudwak (HOL) - At least 20 people were killed when army forces escorting two trucks carrying weapons, reportedly from Ethiopia, clashed with security forces and militiamen in the Abudwak district of the Galgadud region on Monday.

Local militias have confirmed that they seized all the weapons on board the trucks.

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Galmudug Deputy Minister of Security Ali Hashi Abdullahi told BBC Somali that the trucks were initially reported to carry communication antennas. However, suspicions arose, leading local militia to block the road in the Shilo Madow area, resulting in a clash between the two sides.

He added that the Galmudug State is investigating who owns the weapons and why they were brought to Galmudug. He emphasized the concern about the weapons falling into the hands of civilians, which could exacerbate the conflict in the region.

Minister Ali Hashi could not confirm whether the country’s intelligence forces were guarding these weapons but stated that everything would be known once the investigation was complete.

Videos posted on social media showed people looting two trucks and walking around with AK-47 rifles. Others claimed the trucks carried a deadly assortment of artillery, mortar shells, and light weapons.

On the other hand, Ugas Mohamed Ugas Ahmed Ugas Farah, head of the traditional elders of the Sade sub-clan, described the incident in Shilo Madow as irresponsible. He accused the Federal Government of carrying out military operations in response to the weapons falling into the hands of militias.

The traditional elder called on the Federal Government to control its army and refrain from taking military action against civilians, holding the government responsible for any resulting consequences.

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