Somalia: Federal Govt forces clash at Afgoye checkpoint, 3 killed
AFGOI, Somalia, March 25, 2015 (Garowe Online)-At least three people have been reported killed in a brief gun battle between Somali National Army (SNA) soldiers and police officers at a checkpoint in Afgoye on Wednesday, Garowe Online reports.
The armed confrontation in Lower Shabelle region town of Afgoye flared up after a quarrel over undisclosed matters.
Local officials and army commanders could not be reached for comments on the incident.
Reliable sources and witnesses confirmed that the three killed civilians were caught in the exchange of gun fire.
Clashes between military and police have been recurrent in South-central regions where Somali government forces aided by African Union peacekeepers are battling Islamist insurgents.
Last year, similar deadly confrontations occurred in Baidoa and Marka.
Composed of inept soldiers who fought alongside notorious warlords, Somali National Army (SNA) troops have locked horns with each other in deadly battles over clan loyalties since late 2012.
GAROWE ONLINE