At least twenty-seven people have been killed and dozens of others wounded in heavy clashes between Al-Shabab and local militiamen in Hiran region.
The fighting which entered its 3rd has flared up after organized militiamen took up arms against Al-Shabab’s extortion in the region.
Local residents say the battle initially started near Bula-burde town before it advanced towards Moqokori town.
“The fighting entered its 3rd day, the sides amassed reinforcement in the areas between Moqokori and Bula-burde towns,” said a local resident who declared to be named.
Somali military officials say reinforcement has been sent to support the local militiamen.
The fighting claimed the lives of 17 Al-Shabab fighters and 10 militiamen according to security officials in the region.
Al-Shabab has not commented on the latest clashes between its fighters and local militias in Hiran region.
Similar confrontation happened in central Somalia on November after locals rejected to pay taxes (Zakawat) imposed by Al-Shabab.
Al-Shabab which once controlled a large swath of land in central and South Somalia is accused of recruiting underage children as child soldiers and impose heavy tax over the pastoralists according to Human Right Watch and UN reports.
Discussion about this post