Nearly 200 Somali Families Flee to Kenya as Fighting Escalates in Balad-Hawo

MANDERA, Kenya — The number of families fleeing the escalating conflict in the Somali border town of Balad-Hawo continues to rise, as nearly 200 displaced families have arrived in the Kenyan town of Mandera in recent hours, according to local media reports.

The families, mostly women, children, and the elderly, fled intense fighting between Somali federal government forces and troops from the Jubbaland regional administration.

Some of the displaced told local media they fled their homes out of fear of being harmed by stray bullets and heavy weaponry exchanged between the warring sides.

Several families have taken shelter in Mandera schools that have been converted into temporary camps, while others are staying with relatives already residing in the town.

Mandera authorities have begun registering the new arrivals to provide emergency humanitarian aid. Officials described the displaced families’ situation as dire, citing urgent needs for food, clean water, and shelter.

The conflict in Balad-Hawo, which has intensified over the past two weeks, has led to growing humanitarian concerns, as residents continue to face widespread displacement and severe shortages of necessities.

GAROWE ONLINE