Infighting between Somali army leaves eighteen dead in Lower Shabelle

Mogadishu (Harar) – At least eighteen people including two civilians were killed today while dozens of others were injured in tribal infighting between the two clan based militia within the Somali National Army  in the town of Wanlaweyn in the Lower Shabelle region.

According to local residents the infighting began early this morning when soldiers belonging the local Shanta Alemod tribe were attacked by Government soldiers belonging to the Abgal tribe. The fighting then spread throughout the entire town with the use of light and heavy weapons by both sides.

The Somali National Army has admitted that infighting in Wanlaweyn occurred and claimed that they are trying their best to mediate with both sides to quell the fighting.

According to sources the reason behind the fighting was due to the Abgal soldiers attempting to disarm local Shanta Alemod forces after a dispute over who’ll manning checkpoints.

“The sounds of gunshots could be heard all over the town and many injured people were lying around, both sides were receiving reinforcements to aid them in their fight” said Mohamed Osman, a local resident.

Tribal infighting is persistent problem within the Somali National Army which cost the lives of many soldier and civilians alike, it’s a problem on the rise and yet to be tackled by the Somali government.