Somali Armed Forces Clash in Marka

Marka — Somali armed forces stationed in the coastal city of Marka clashed on Friday leading to deaths and injuries, Garowe Online reports.

According to Abdiqadir Mohamed Nur Governor of Lower Shabelle region, government troops clashed after a faction with clan ties battled with fellow government soldiers.

Governor Abdiqadir requested that the Ministry of Interior and other government institutions tackle the growing problem of clan militia being incorporated into the police forces in Marka.

“This [clan militia] problem has grown. We are going to officially deliver our grievances to Ministry of Interior and the Prime Minister’s office. This problem has really increased tensions in the city,” said Governor Abdiqadir.

The casualties were not officially disclosed to media, however reports say that at least 5 people were killed and many more injured during Friday’s clashes.

Governor Abdiqadir said that the rogue government forces are still in Marka and that their presence could cause more attacks between the forces. He asked that they be apprehended as soon as possible. AMISOM forces stationed in Marka have begun mediating between the two sides.

The Somali Federal Government (SFG) hasn’t commented on the attacks as of yet.

The historical city of Marka had been under Al Shabaab control until August of last year when Somali and African Union forces captured the city.

AllAfrica.com