At least 11 people have been killed and 20 injured during intense clashes between clan militias in the Jiicbor area of Mudug over the past two days. The violence stems from a land dispute between groups from Puntland and Galmudug, forcing many families to flee their homes.
Efforts to mediate the conflict are underway, with traditional elders, intellectuals, and officials from both states seeking peaceful resolutions. Displaced residents have expressed cautious optimism about the negotiations.
Clan-related violence has been escalating across Somalia, with recent incidents reported in Mudug, Galgadud, and the Shabelle regions. Former Somali leaders have condemned the unrest, calling it a major threat to national stability.
Officials Suspended Following Deadly Ambush in Middle Shabelle
The Somali National Army (SNA) has arrested several individuals, including local officials, in connection with an ambush in El-Baraf that left six soldiers and a driver dead. The attack targeted soldiers on leave traveling to their families and is believed to be a revenge killing.
District officials, including Governor Yusuf Hassan Hurshow, have been implicated in the incident. Hirshabelle’s Interior Minister suspended Hurshow, pledging accountability for all involved. Security forces have intensified operations, and multiple suspects are in custody.
Hirshabelle President Ali Gudlawe called for unity, emphasizing that justice would prevail. Clan rivalries in El-Baraf, often exploited by Al-Shabaab to fuel divisions, remain a persistent security challenge in the region.