Somalia: At Least 7 Killed, Scores Wounded in Battle for Erigavo Control

ERIGAVO, Somalia — At least seven people have been killed and several others wounded in a violent clash over control of Erigavo, a city in northern Somalia.

The fighting erupted between forces from the breakaway region of Somaliland and the SSC-Khaatumo state, which seeks autonomy in the Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn regions.

The battle began on Monday and continued late into the night, with both sides claiming victory but no clear winner emerging. Local hospitals reported being overwhelmed with casualties, including civilians caught in the crossfire.

Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but is not internationally recognized, has conflicted with SSC-Khaatumo over territorial claims in this resource-rich area.

The latest escalation could further destabilize the region, with Somaliland's largest military unit arriving in Erigavo, potentially leading to more intense confrontations. Meanwhile, SSC-Khaatumo has reinforced its position with new military assets.

The exact number of wounded remains unclear as the situation remains fluid, but local sources indicate many have been injured. Calls for peace talks and international mediation have intensified to prevent further loss of life and displacement.

GAROWE ONLINE