10 killed in inter-clan fighting in central Somalia

At least 10 people have been killed and over a dozen injured in central Somalia in clan-related violence caused by water and pasture dispute on Friday, witnesses said.

The clashes between armed militia from two clans broke out in the village of Ari’ad village in Galgadud region.

Residents said the fighting had stopped but more was expected as gunmen had been deployed into the area.

“The situation is tense; the two sides are regrouping for a new conflict.” Ahmed Abdi Olad, a resident in the village by phone.

Medical sources say that at least 13 wounded victims were brought the hospitals Adado as fears of a larger conflict mounts.

Clashes between the two rival clans in central Somalia have been going on for so long following multiple disputes, while the local elders been able to mediate between the groups, a lasting ceasefire has never been achieved.

Since the collapse of the Central government in 1991, Water, pasture and politics have been at the center of sporadic clashes between Somali tribes across the country.