JOWHAR, Somalia -- Heavy fighting between two fraternal clans in Geeda-Barkan vicinity, about 8 km east of Middle Shabelle regional capital of Jowhar left at least 18 people dead and 20 others wounded according to witnesses, Garowe Online reports.
Local reports say that an argument over the ownership of farmland Wednesday degenerated into deadly battle, forcing hundreds of pastoralists to flee.
On Thursday, the clashes restarted with residents reporting that armed militiamen set agricultural land and houses on fire. Independent sources in Jowhar confirmed to Garowe Online that no Somali government forces were deployed in the area as the opposing sides continue to receive reinforcements including ammunitions and machine guns.
| That's some tribal militia... |
The argument between the warring clans has been dragging on for three years, sources said.
Federal Government of Somalia President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud yesterday visited the agriculture-rich town of Jowhar where devastating floods hit when Shabelle river began to overflow last month. |