| Description |
SVS militias (from Jijele clan) and Galjecel militias were reported to have been engaged in heavy clashes on the west side of Beled Weyne in the afternoon of 11/02. The fighting followed a dispute over the collection of taxes on transport trucks carrying goods from and to Beled Weyne town. The fighting intensified as SVS forces from the west side received reinforcement from SVS militia dominated by the Hawadle clan from the east side of town. The confrontation extended over three consecutive hours and heavy weapons were used by both sides. ENDF units which were near the fighting area did not intervene. Around ten persons including eight combatants were killed, and 20 others wounded. 17 injured were brought to the Beled Weyne hospital immediately after the fighting. Most residents of the area moved away to other sections of Hawl-Wadaag and Bundo-Weyne neighborhoods. A few others moved out of town. This was the third clash between SVS militias and local clan militias since the town was taken over by ENDF/SVS on 31/12/2011. |
