Somalia: Two killed in violent Guriel Protest

GURIEL, Somalia Jan 1, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Two protesters died after hundreds staging rally in support of the paramilitary group of Ahlu Sunnah Wal jamea broke into a police compound in Galgaduud region town of Guriel on Thursday, Garowe Online reports.

Guriel Deputy Mayor Ali Bashi told reporters that a young man and a woman died from shots fired by soldiers manning army facilities.

He added that investigations have been launched into the deadly incident.

Meanwhile, Guriel hospital Director-General Dr. Ali Omar has confirmed that seven wounded people have been admitted for medical treatment.

Witnesses reported that the protest turned violent after angry crowds threw stones at armored vehicles and stormed Guriel police station.

Militias loyal to Somalia Federal Government dislodged Ahlu Sunnah from Guriel and Dhuusamareeb in mid-December.

Ever since, precarious ceasefire brokered by Ugas Hassan Ugas Mohamed Nur has been prevailing.

Following three days of clashes, Somali government forces wrested control of Guri’el without resistance on December 15.

In Late July, a tripartite deal by Ahlu Sunnah, Galmudug authorities and Himan and Heeb local administration cleared the way for the establishment of new federal state in central Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE