Clan clashes claim three lives in Middle Shabelle

At least three people were killed and several others wounded on Saturday in deadly clashes in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region, witness said.

Rival clan militias engaged in battle in Jame’a Misra village in the outskirt Bal’ad town.

Most of those wounded are said to be among the combatants who disputed over land.

The violence erupted as members of one clan-based faction tried to march into territory controlled by another, provoking battle between the fighters using automatic weapons, heavy machine guns and Rocket-propelled grenades.

Locals says the side torched houses during the fighting which prompted displacement of the villagers.

Efforts to mediate the sides are underway, according to local elders in the area.