At least three people were killed and several others sustained injuries in fighting that erupted over a tax dispute between Al-Shabab and armed locals in Lower Jubba region.
The clashes embarked late on Tuesday after Al-Shabab members imposed taxes on residents living in the outskirts of Dhobley town.
Speaking to media on Wednesday, Ahmed Abdullahi Haybe, a security official in Dhobley town said the locals backed by Somali forces clashed Al-Shabab fighters.
“Al-Shabab tried to extort taxes from pastoral families in villages outside the town; the locals took arms against the group, prompting hours of fighting between the sides. The locals called for reinforcement and we dispatched our security forces to assist them,” said Haybe.
The officer said Al-shabab fighters retreated in the evening after they were overpowered.
“Al-Shabab was defeated and they went back their bases later the day. The locals together with the security forces are in control of the villages.
Haybe confirmed the death of three combatants from both sides.
“For now know, a death toll of three people from sides and several injuries,” said Haybe.
Al-Shabab has not commented on the latest clashes in Lower Jubba region in Southern Somalia.
Similar confrontation happened in central and south Somalia in recent years after locals turned down to pay taxes (zakawat) imposed by Al-shabab.
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