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| Last Updated: Dec 15, 2011 - 11:05:44 AM |
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11 killed in Galkayo clashes
25 Dec 25, 2009 - 9:06:30 AM
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Heavy fighting between Puntland security forces and clan militia backed by local businessmen have killed at least 11 people mostly civilians and 25 others wounded in Galkayo, the capital of Mudug region in central Somalia. Tension
The fighting erupted on late Wednesday and continued Thursday as the two sides exchanged mortar shells and gunfire, killing five civilians, three fighters from both sides and causing the injuries of at least 25 other people.
Puntland security forces intervened over the death of Mir station commandant Muse Dhuqub and his assistant who were reportedly killed on late Wednesday by the militiamen in the southern wing of Galkayo controlled by Galmudug authority.
Reports reaching Garowe Online say hundreds of residents from Barahley village have started fleeing the town as tension remain high.
The clashes were instigated by the Barahley residents’ move to bar officers from the town’s council to continue with the creation of bypasses within the town’s main market
Speaking to Garowe Online, The mayor of Galkayo said the cleaning of the market does not entail uprooting traders but in a bid to create bypasses within the market to allow security patrols.
“We don’t care whether they rent from the owners but our aim is to create roads that enter the market and to maintain the sanitation,” he told Radio Garowe.
On the other hand, Puntland Special Forces led by Commander Tute-Weyne left Garowe, the administrative capital of Puntland state, on Thursday night heading to Galkayo, where they are assigned to calm the situation., according to reports that reached Garowe Online.
Politicians from both sides with the help of Somali TFG officials are engaged in talks to end the crisis, an official from Puntland who requested anonymity told GO.
Puntland’s Galkayo administration believe that the elements who are behind the insecurity in the region use Barahley village, which has weak administers, as safe haven to carry out their activities.
The town experienced similar clashes in late October when rowdy traders clashed with security forces in running battle that claimed the lives of at least 10 people.
GAROWE ONLINE
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