Somalia: Heavy clashes erupted again in Galkayo city

GALKAYO, Puntland- Heavy fighting broke out between forces loyal to Puntland and Galmudug state in Galkayo city, the regional capital of Mudug region in Monday morning, Garowe Online reports.

Local residents reported that both sides have used heavy artillery in the clashes that caused unconfirmed casualties and the destruction of civilian properties in the city.  

According to a military official in Galkayo, who spoke to GO on a condition of anonymity, he said: “They were heavy exchange of mortars that caused causalities, one of our soldiers has sustained injuries but some soldiers from Galmudug state got killed in the fighting.”

The fighting took place at south areas of Galkayo city, a divided city of northern part that administered by Puntland whereas the southern part is ruled by Galmudug.

Other reports also indicated the presence of Puntland commandoes and Galmudug soldiers who recently deployed from Adado town, positioned on the front line in Haran village located south of Galkayo.

Puntland military official told GO that those forces have came from Adado town are part of the Somali government troops who came along with AMISOM troops to Adado town yesterday to take part in the efforts to secure the town during the upcoming parliamentary elections.

In light of these allegations GO tried to contact Galmudug authority for comments who declined to give clear response on the issue.

So far there are no efforts from the Somali government-term ended in September 10- to end the heightened tensions between the warring administrations in Mudug region.   

Puntland and neighboring Galmudug administrations had strained relations due to the frequent clashes over disputed areas in Mudug region, with reports of civilian causalities and flee of over 50 thousands local residents from the Galkayo city. 

GAROWEONLINE