MOGADISHU — Fighting broke out early Sunday in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region between special security forces and fighters loyal to a federal minister, according to local sources and community leaders.
The clashes were reported in the area of Markabka, located between the coastal districts of Adale and Warsheikh, northeast of the capital Mogadishu.
Residents said heavy gunfire echoed across the area as the rival forces exchanged fire.
The exact cause of the confrontation was not immediately clear.
No official casualty figures were available, and authorities had not released a detailed statement on the fighting by late Sunday.
Witnesses said the situation remained tense, with armed forces maintaining positions around the contested area.
The clash comes at a sensitive time as Somalia’s federal government intensifies efforts to consolidate security authority across the country.
The government has recently expanded operations aimed at reducing the number of weapons held outside state control.
On Sunday, influential religious scholar and government ally Sheikh Mohamed Maalim, commonly known as Moalim Mahdi, announced the launch of the third phase of a nationwide disarmament campaign.
The initiative seeks to collect unauthorized weapons from civilians and local militias.
Officials say the campaign is designed to strengthen public security and reinforce the state’s monopoly on the use of force.
The government has repeatedly argued that the widespread availability of weapons contributes to insecurity and local conflicts.
Somalia has struggled with the proliferation of arms since the collapse of the central government in 1991.
Decades of conflict have left large quantities of weapons in the hands of clan militias, private individuals, and armed groups.
Authorities have made several attempts in recent years to recover and register weapons across different regions.
The latest phase of the disarmament campaign is expected to focus on areas where illegal weapons remain widespread.
Security officials have not confirmed whether the fighting in Markabka is directly linked to the newly launched disarmament operation.
However, the timing of the clashes has raised questions among observers about possible tensions surrounding the government’s weapons collection efforts.
Local elders have called for restraint and urged all sides to avoid actions that could escalate the violence.
Community leaders are reportedly attempting to mediate between the rival forces to prevent further bloodshed.
The federal government has not announced any immediate plans to deploy additional forces to the area.
Analysts say the incident highlights the challenges facing Somalia as it seeks to strengthen state institutions while managing complex local power dynamics.
The country continues to balance security reforms, counterinsurgency operations, and efforts to bring armed groups under government authority.
Further details on the fighting and the progress of the disarmament campaign are expected as authorities continue to assess developments on the ground.
