Tension mounts near the base of U.S-trained force in Somalia

The Lower Shabelle regional administration issued a warning to the clan militia who shot dead the military officers to hand over the perpetrators or face assault. 

News Keydmedia Online
5 December 2022

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Heavily armed clan militia began to pour in Wanla-weyn district in Somalia's Lower Shabelle region on Sunday barely hours after a rival clan militia murdered two military commanders, local officials said.

A gunfight ensued in the small town on Saturday afternoon between the military men looking for Kat [or miraa which is a a leafy green plant containing two main stimulant drugs] and the armed militia based in the town.  

Two officers from the military were killed, according to Wanla-weyn district deputy commissioner. 

A local elder, Abdi Muhumed, also said they were working with the authorities to make the situation under control.

Unfortunately, two military officers of the Somali National Army were shot dead. This is due to a long standing clan feud between Galjecel and Shan Alemod in the area. We are trying to ease the tension but already the rival clan militias started to group,"  he added.

The Lower Shabelle regional administration issued a warning to the clan militia who shot dead the military officers to hand over the perpetrators or face assault. 

According to the local radio, residents began fleeing the town of Wanla-weyn out of fear for their safety following the reports that the militia men were receiving reinforcements and weapons from Mogadishu.  

Wanla-weyn is just few kilo metres from the Bale Dogle military base where the U.S soldiers train Somali commandos Danab. 

The military commanders at the base are yet to comment on the matter.