Somalia: Residents clash with Al Shabaab militants, 20 Killed

HARARDERE, Somalia- At least 20 people have been killed and dozens injured in a deadly battle between Al Shabaab militants and local cattle herders in southern Mudug region in central Somalia, Garowe Online reports.

The fighting flared up after residents in Dumaye district, about 48 km away from Harardere town took arms against the Al Qaida-affiliated Al Shabaab fighters over Zakah collection (an Islamic levy on wealth).

"The battle broke out after the local cattle herders have defied Al Shabaab order to round up their livestock in what Al Shabaab described as Zakah," said a local resident who spoke in a condition of anonymity to GO. 

He said Al Shabaab fighters seized the area from the local armed residents on Saturday following an attack, which has subsequently sparked a fierce gunfight that is ongoing at the outskirts of the area.

The Al Shabaab militants often try to forcibly collect livestock from local herders that prompted such clashes in the rebel-held areas in southern and central Somalia.

Galmudug state is reportedly mobilizing troops in Adado, Hobyo and southern Galkayo towns, in a bid to reinforce the local cattle herders in the fight against Al Shabaab fighters in southern Mudug region.

GAROWEONLINE