Somalia: Shelling in Galkayo despite ceasefire

GALKAYO, Somalia, December 3, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Heavy shelling has been reported in central Somalia town of Galkayo, a day after warring parties agreed to ceasefire agreement, Garowe Online reports.

Medics tell GO that six people were killed after Galmudug soldiers fired mortar shells into vast north.

The casualty figures could rise as over a dozen people sustained injuries in today’s shelling.

Speaking to reporters in front of a building pounded with artillery, Puntland information Minister, Mohamud Hassan So’adde insisted that they adopted defensive position on the renewed conflict.

He said, they still remain committed to the full implementation of the ceasefire.

On Wednesday, Puntland and Galmudug leaders shook hands in a boost for a four-point agreement drawn up by Somalia Prime Minister, Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke.

Galmudug has yet to comment on the deadly firing of mortar shells.

Over the course of ceasefire deal ceremony, while opting for olive branch, the two regional leaders were seen trading barbs over the moot point of fresh confrontations.

At least 30 people are reported to have been killed in sporadic fighting over the last two weeks, with 40, 000 forced out of their homes according to UN relief Agency.

Galkayo has potentially been dangerous flashpoint since 1993, when local clans signed a long-holding peace pact.

GAROWE ONLINE