Clan militias clash in central Somalia, 3 killed

BELEDWEYNE, Somalia-Clan militiamen have clashed in deadly battle near central Somali town of Beledweyne on Thursday, Garowe Online reports. 

The militias fought over the control of water well in Qaran Ad, vicinity some 15km off Beledweyne according to local sources. 

At least three people are reported to have been killed in the clashes near Beledweyne. 

“This morning’s fighting has ceased, thanks to Allah. 

''We are grateful for the intervention of Beledweyne traditional leaders who prevented meaningless bloodshed,” a local clan elder said. 

Calm has returned to areas where the clashes raged on Thursday morning. Local residents have also fled, reports added. 

African Union peacekeepers stationed in Hiran region have stepped in to quell the armed hostility. 

Clan militias previously clashed for claims over ownership of agricultural land in the village of Deefow in Hiran region of central Somalia.

GAROWEONLINE