GALGADUD, Somalia (AFP) — Fierce fighting erupted Wednesday afternoon in the God Shillan area of central Somalia’s Galgadud region, leaving at least three al-Shabaab militants dead and seven others wounded, local sources said.
The clashes occurred between rival factions within the al-Qaeda-linked insurgent group, reportedly triggered by internal disputes whose exact nature remains unclear. The fighting broke out between forces operating between the districts of Qayib and Xindheere.
Local witnesses confirmed that heavy weapons were used during the confrontation, which has heightened tensions and insecurity in the surrounding communities. Residents expressed growing fears over the deteriorating security situation in the area.
No official statement has yet been issued by al-Shabaab regarding the intra-group conflict. Meanwhile, Somali security forces and regional authorities remain on high alert as they monitor the situation.
Galgadud province has long been a hotspot for militant activity and violent clashes, contributing to instability that continues to affect civilians across central Somalia.
