By Horn Africa News
Galgadud – At least three fighters were killed and seven others wounded on Wednesday afternoon following fierce infighting between rival factions of the militant group al-Shabaab in central Somalia’s Galgadud region, according to local sources.
The clashes took place in the rural area of God Shillan, situated between the districts of Qayib and Xindheere, in what appears to be a deepening rift within the al-Qaeda-affiliated group. While the precise cause of the internal dispute remains unclear, sources familiar with the region suggest that power struggles and ideological divisions may be fueling the hostilities.
Eyewitnesses reported that both sides used heavy weaponry during the confrontation, with the sounds of gunfire and explosions reverberating across nearby villages. “We could hear mortars and heavy machine guns for hours,” one resident told Horn Africa News by phone. “Everyone here is terrified. People are afraid to leave their homes.”
The violence has further destabilized the already volatile region, raising fears among civilians of renewed cycles of violence. No official statement has been released by al-Shabaab’s central leadership regarding the incident, and the group has so far remained silent on the reported casualties.
Somali government forces, along with local security officials, have reportedly increased patrols and surveillance in surrounding areas in response to the clashes, amid concerns that further infighting or retaliatory attacks could spill into nearby towns.
The Galgadud region, located in central Somalia, has long been plagued by insecurity due to the persistent presence of armed militant groups. Internal power struggles within al-Shabaab, although relatively rare, have occasionally erupted into open violence, further complicating efforts to stabilize the region.
Local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant as the situation continues to unfold.
