Categories: AFRICA

Eleven Dead After Heavy Fighting Near Somalia-Kenya Border

Eleven people are dead and fourteen others injured after heavy fighting broke out at a Somali town near the Kenyan border, eyewitnesses have told the BBC.

The fighting in Baled-Hawo town, in the south-western region of Gedo, started late Sunday night and continued until Monday morning

Somalia’s information ministry has accused Kenya of supporting “rebels” to attack federal forces amid rising tensions between the two East Africa neighbours.

Kenya has not yet responded to Somalia’s statement.

But an official of the semi-autonomous state of Jubbaland, Vice President Mohamud Sayid Adan said that regional forces stationed outside the town were attacked by federal forces in the town.

Both Jubbaland and the federal government are claiming victory, with Somali’s information ministry saying federal forces were in control of the town.

Residents say some people had started to flee.

The federal government and Jubbaland’s administration have been engaged in a dispute over the process for elections and control of some regions bordering Kenya.

Somalia last month severed diplomatic relations with Kenya after accusing Nairobi of “blatant interference” in Jubbaland affairs. Kenya denied the accusation.

The regional body, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Igad), recently sent a fact-finding mission to the border but the findings have not been made public.

Follow us on:

AriseNews

Recent Posts

Federal Government Reinstates Ikechebelu as Acting Vice-Chancellor of UNIZIK

The federal government has reinstated Professor Joseph Ikechebelu as acting Vice-Chancellor of UNIZIK, nullifying Professor…

2 hours ago

Court Of Appeal Nullifies Judgment Blocking Voter Register Release For Rivers LG Polls

Court of Appeal has overturned the Federal High Court ruling barring INEC from releasing voter…

2 hours ago

Kenya Cancels Adani Contracts as US Prosecutors Charge Tycoon with Fraud

Kenya has cancelled airport and energy deals with Adani following US bribery and fraud charges…

2 hours ago

Brazil’s Former President Bolsonaro, 36 Others Indicted Over Alleged Coup Attempt In Brazil

Brazil’s former president Bolsonaro and 36 others have been indicted for allegedly attempting a coup…

2 hours ago

Republican David McCormick Triumphs As Democrat Sen. Bob Casey Concedes After Recount

Republican David McCormick won Pennsylvania Senate seat as Democratic Sen. Bob Casey concedes after recount…

2 hours ago

Trudeau Announces Temporary Tax Relief and Cheques Amid Rising Living Costs

Trudeau's government has announced plans for temporary tax relief, cheques for Canadians amid rising costs…

2 hours ago