Somalia: Clashes between al-Shabaab and clan militias leave 17 dead in Galmudug
At least 17 people were killed in fighting between militants from Somalia’s al-Shabaab group and clan militias in the central semi-autonomous region Galmudug, residents and the group told Reuters.
Somali state-run Radio Muqdisho reported fighting in the Haradheere area, which started on Wednesday, was triggered by alleged al-Shabaab conscription of teenagers into their ranks.
Al-Shabaab controlled the port district for years but repeatedly clashes with local clan militias over disputes.
“Al-Shabaab asked for teenagers to be recruited,” the radio reported. A tax called zakat being imposed by al-Shabaab also stoked anger among residents and militias, it added.
Residents said nine militia members and al-Shabaab fighters were killed in the fighting.