At least 15 killed in Somalia after weapon smuggling from Ethiopia
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Staff Reporter GAROWE ONLINE
- Posted On 17-07-2024, 09:41AM
MOGADISHU, Somalia - At least 15 people were killed in Somalia on Tuesday following armed clashes between members of the Somali National Army (SNA) and militia, who had seized weapons from traders suspected to be involved in weapon smuggling from Ethiopia.
The government soldiers and local militia opened fire against each other as they fought for two truckloads of weapons that had been smuggled from neighboring Ethiopia. The two sides fought for hours, officials said.
Three soldiers are among the dead in the clash inside the village of Shiilamaow, about 20 kilometers northwest of Abudwak town, close to the Ethiopian border, said a Somali security official who asked not to be named because he is not allowed to speak to the media.
The Ministry of Interior condemned the incident while pointing an accusing finger at 'illegal traders' who are said to have transported the weapons from Ethiopia without authorization. The local militias overpowered government forces after receiving reinforcements from clansmen, the official added.
According to the Voice of America, the government did not immediately disclose the quantity of the weapons but multiple sources said the weapons were two truckloads and included DshK and PKM machine guns, AK-47 assault rifles, pistols, and ammunition.
In a passionate appeal, the government appealed to residents and elders for help in returning the weapons to government hands. The local communities play an integral role in the stabilization of the country.
Last year, the United Nations Security Council fully lifted a weapons embargo on Somalia, which had been in place since 1992. The Somali government has been attempting to reassert control of the country from armed militias and al-Shabab militants.
Upon inquiry by the VOA, an Ethiopian foreign ministry spokesperson did not immediately respond to a VOA request for comment. Close to 4,000 Ethiopian soldiers are serving under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia.
GAROWE ONLINE
