Somalia: Forces Clash in Central Region, Leaving Two Dead

[Coeus]

Jawil — Somali government forces clashed in the Hiran region central Somalia leaving at least soldiers dead, a witness said on Thursday.

A truck driver, who spoke on condition of anonymity, has told Shabelle that that clash has erupted after Somali forces, which came from Ethiopian side, reached at the junction of KALABEYRKA just outside of Beletweyne town of Hiran region and tried to confiscate a checkpoint stationed by other TFG soldiers and that has caused the confrontation. Buses and trucks using in the junction should pay money, according to the driver.

Three soldiers of Somali transitional federal government were also injured in the clash, according to the driver.

He added that a number of camels were also in the crossfire which the tow warring soldiers were exchanging.

Somali military officers in the area declined to talk about the confrontation, but said negotiations and discussions are undergoing to settle the wrangle among the soldiers.