Normalcy has returned to Beled-Hawa town near Somalia’s border with Kenya following heavy fighting between Somali national army and militias led by wanted Jubbaland Security minister.
The deputy governor of Gedo region, Osman Nur Haji who spoke to BBC Somali Service confirmed that the army succeeded to bush back the militias saying many of them fled into Kenya.
Over hundred militiamen led by Abdirashid Hassan Abdinur Janan have early today attack Beled-Hawa town from different directions, prompting fighting into this afternoon.
Haji said the attackers served heavy casualties and the army recovered weapons left behind by the militias.
The fighting displaced hundreds of residents in the town.
Locals confirmed that motor shells allegedly fired by Kenya military landed in the town, causing two houses to catch fire.
The exact casualties is yet unknown as there is no verified information from the town.
Somali government has not yet commented on the fighting between Somali military and militias in Gedo region.
Meanwhile, Kenya police have issued saying no incident in Mandera town on Kenya’s border with Somalia.
The police said security forces had been deployed along the border.
“We wish to assure Kenyans that our security teams are on high alert to avert any attempt by militants in Gedo region straying into the country,” a statement from the National Police Service read in part.
