Fresh fighting has erupted between Somali government forces and Al-Shabaab militants in Hiiraan region, raising fresh concerns over security in an area already grappling with deadly violence, civilian displacement and uncertainty surrounding a reported peace agreement between the militant group and sections of the Hawadle clan.
The latest clash occurred on the morning of Friday, October 9, in the areas of Xaanshigadafer and Hees, which fall under Maxaas district. Residents said the two sides exchanged heavy and light gunfire during the confrontation.
The fighting reportedly followed the establishment of military positions by Somali government forces in Hees in recent days, as the troops sought to strengthen their presence in the area. The circumstances surrounding the latest confrontation suggest that control of the surrounding territory remains a security concern.
Preliminary reports indicated that the clash resulted in deaths and injuries among the combatants. However, authorities had not released an official casualty toll by the time of publication, leaving the scale of the military losses unclear.
Deadly Tardo confrontation leaves residents displaced
The Tardo incident was reportedly triggered when Al-Shabaab fighters attempted to seize a firearm from an armed local man, described in local reports as a pastoralist.
The man reportedly refused to surrender his weapon, prompting an armed confrontation. Residents subsequently intervened, turning the incident into a wider exchange of gunfire involving the militants and members of the local community.
Cismaan Dheere, the chairman of Tardo, said the fighting lasted several hours and the security situation deteriorated after Al-Shabaab fighters surrounded the area.
He reported that civilians were killed and others forced to flee their homes to escape the violence. Residents who had gone to markets and workplaces were also reportedly compelled to abandon their activities as the confrontation unfolded.
Some of those displaced travelled an estimated 40 to 80 kilometres in search of safer areas, according to Gobolada Radio.
The precise number of people killed, injured or displaced remains unclear, with reports giving conflicting casualty figures. Puntland Times reported five deaths and nine injuries, while other local accounts cited by Somali media suggested a higher civilian death toll.
The figures have not been independently reconciled, and no definitive official toll was available at the time of reporting.
The violence has heightened concerns for communities whose livelihoods depend on livestock, small-scale trade and movement between rural settlements. Continued insecurity could further disrupt access to markets, healthcare and other essential services.