Monday September 23, 2024
Beledweyne (HOL) – At least two people were killed and two
others wounded in a clash between rival armed forces on the outskirts of
Beledweyne town on Monday, local sources report.
The conflict erupted in the Ikacade area, 25 kilometers
northeast of Beledweyne, after forces supporting Hiraan region's transporters,
who had blocked the road, clashed with opposing forces attempting to forcibly
pass through the blockade.
The blockade was imposed by the Hiraan region's
transporters, who shut down the road that connects the north and Beledweyne town
in response to an increasing number of checkpoints between Beledweyne and
Mataban.
The Beledweyne Transport Committee and local authorities
have yet to comment on the casualties or provide further details about the
conflict. Transporters have halted the movement of goods, including vegetables,
livestock, and food, until a formal resolution is reached regarding the
numerous checkpoints hindering their routes.