Fighting Rages in Kismayo for a Second Day

Kismayu, 29 June 2013 (SDN) – Heavy fighting between rival militia groups loyal to Colonel Barre Hirale and Ahmed Madobe has erupted for a second day in the southern Somalia’s Kismayu port city residents said.  Reports from the city have confirmed to us that the combat flared up at Farjano nighbourhood and heavy artillery fire could be heard across Kismayo. It is still unclear where there has been casualty as a result of the ongoing battle. Friday’s skirmish comes a day after 10 people, mostly combatants been killed in a battle as many others wounded. The battle which exploded at the Argo junction in the city centre sparked after the two sides captured vehicles from each other.

This is not the first time such a clash occurred in the port city by troops fighting over the control of the strategic town since African forces took over the control of the city from Al-Qaeda-affiliated Al-Shabaab militiants.

Jubaland lies in the far south of Somalia and borders both Kenya and Ethiopia, and control is split between multiple forces including clan militia, the Shebab, Kenyan and Ethiopian soldiers.

Jubaland joins other semi-autonomous regions of the fractured Horn of Africa nation, including Puntland in the northeast — which wants autonomy within a federation of states.

We will keep you posted for the latest developments.

SDN Kismayo