More than 20 Killed in Renewed Fighting in Central Somalia
By Abdulaziz Osman November 06, 2016
At least 24 people were killed and more than 80 others were wounded in a renewed fighting between Puntland and Galmudug state forces in the central Somali town of Galkayo, days after the two states agreed a cease-fire.
Witnesses say a fierce battle erupted early Sunday morning with heavy gunfire and mortar exchange in the west side of the town and later spread out to different suburbs surrounding the town.
Medical officials in the town confirmed to VOA at least 24 people were killed, including 18 soldiers and 6 civilians.
VOA reporter in the town, Abdiwahid Moalim Isak said he saw at least 9 dead bodies.
The latest fighting came after Puntland and Galmudug presidents have reached a cease-fire agreement in Abu Dhabi mediated by UAE late last week. The two presidents agreed to halt the armed conflicts and continue discussing their differences in a bid to reach a final deal.
Most of Galkayo residents had fled the town since onset of the fighting. UN and other NGO organization estimated more than 80, 000 people have been displaced in the recent clashes.
Galkayo is the provincial capital of the divided Mudug region of Somalia. The northern part of the town is controlled by Puntland regional state, while the south is controlled by Galmudug regional state.
Disputed land in the town often creates tensions over the control of the town.
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