Two soldiers die as military clashes with police in Somalia

A resident, who asked not to be named for his safety confirmed to Keydmedia English service that the confrontation led to the closure of businesses and the disruption of public transport in the central city.

News Keydmedia Online
9 January 2022

GURIEL, Somalia – A heavy clash between Turkish-trained elite Somali military [Gorgor] and Galmudug regional police left at least two soldiers and wounded several civilians on Sunday, residents said.

The gunfight broke out after Gorgor forces stormed Guriel town early in the morning in an attempt to set free fellow soldiers detained by the police on Saturday for being part of robbery and insecurity acts.

A resident, who asked not to be named for his safety confirmed to Keydmedia English service that the confrontation led to the closure of businesses and the disruption of public transport in the central city.

There has been brewing tension with Galmudug officials making tireless efforts to return the situation to normalcy and pull the Gorgor troops out of the town and send them back to their fixed military bases.

In October last year, Guriel has witnessed deadly clashes between Ahlu Sunna, paramilitary Sufi fighters, and Federal forces backed by Galmudug soldiers who retook the town after a three-day battle.

The city in central Somalia has changed hands several times between rival sides since 2011 due to its strategic importance. The recurrent conflict caused a humanitarian crisis as thousands were disparaged.

KEYDMEDIA English