Somalia: More than a dozen dead in Sool clan fighting

GAROWE, Somalia-More than a dozen clan militiamen have been killed in heavy clashes in northern Sool region, Garowe Online reports. 

The fighting entered its second day in the village of Dharkayn-Genyo, 70km west of Sool regional capital of Lasanod, leaving 20 fighters from the opposing clans dead and many more wounded, local elders told GO on Sunday.

Ten people have been reported killed in Sunday clashes alone, with residents reporting that technicals are part of fierce battle triggered by recurrent clan revenge attacks in Sool region. 

Mediating elders are said to have been caught in the exchange of gunfire while Islamic scholars embarked on an endeavor to secure immediate ceasefire between the warring militias. 

Sources tell GO that Somaliland deployed troops in the areas where the fighting has raged over the last 24 hours. 

Puntland has made no comment on the clan fighting so far despite calls for calm by lawmakers hailing from Sool region. 

Nugal traditional leaders on their side offered their readiness to step in anytime and initiated efforts regarding an end to the renewed hostility.

Moreover, the fighting forced hundreds of villagers already ravaged by months of El Nino-induced drought to flee homes.

GAROWE ONLINE