At least five people have been killed and several others wounded in a fierce fighting between Al-Shabab fighters and local militiamen in central Somalia.
The fighting erupted at Buq-Gosaar village about 50km away from Beledweyne town of Hiiraan region after residents took arms against Al-Shabab over levy.
Isack Sanay, a local resident in the village said that five people from both sides died in the battle while several others sustained injuries.
“Locals, including nomadic people, took up arms against Al-Shabaab fighters who wanted to loot our resources, including livestock,” Sanay said.
Al-Shabab has not commented on the latest clashes with the locals in Hiraan region.
Similar confrontation occurred in central Somalia last year after locals rejected to pay taxes imposed by Al-Shabab.
Al-Shabab which once controlled large swath of land in South and central Somalia had lost many towns and cities to Somali forces back by African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) troops.
The group carries out hit and run attacks in major towns under government and deadly explosions in the capital and other towns.
Discussion about this post