​Somalia: Four killed in renewed clan fighting in Middle Shabelle region

BALAD, Somalia- At least four people were reported to have been killed in renewed clashes between two rival clan militias in Middle Shabelle region in southern Somalia, Garowe Online reports.

The deadly tribal clashes broke out at Jame’a Misra village near Bal'ad town after the warring sides disputed over pastureland and water resources in the rural areas, according to local residents.

The rival militiamen have exchanged fire with heavy machine guns during the battle which has led to the deaths of at least four people, among them civilians.

The fighting has forced hundreds of families to flee the area after their villages was set on fire. The tension is running high as the sides receiving reinforcement.

The number of causalities from the two warring sides so far remains unclear, however, witnesses reported chaotic scenes in the villages near the town as the two sides exchanged shelling and gunfire.

The local elders are making vigorously efforts that could pave the way for an immediate end to the clashes between the clan militia fighters in the outskirts of Bal'ad district, located about 30 km north of the Somali capital Mogadishu.

 GAROWEONLINE