Marka — The Somali Federal Government soldiers have again clashed in Lower Shabelle region of southern Somalia, with fifth and sixth brigade of national army overpowering another group in Marka coastal town on Monday, Garowe Online reports.
Witnesses say, the army units targeted built up areas in Marka with mortar fire in advance of the seizure. The overtaking forces are said to have been positioned in military bases.
Residents began to flee from the rising tensions within the army which has been clashing in deadly battle with each other over clan loyalties.
Mohamed Osman Yarisow, Marka mayor denied reports of pullout, telling GO that the fighting is ongoing in several neighborhoods in Marka.
Yariso noted that the attack on Marka was launched by clan militia who wants to take over the coastal town.
According to local reports, the clashes initially broke out in Bufow, El Waregow and El Jale and Militia belonging to Habar Gidir sub clan of Hawiye poured into Marka town.
Meanwhile in Mogadishu, Federal Government of Somalia's Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed has called for calm, urging opposing sides to immediately avert hostility.
He called on African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to back stabilization efforts and help sides reach truce.
Over the last two weeks, Lower Shabelle region has been a spot for clashes within the army, exposing the extent of division that plagued Somali National Army (SNA).
GAROWE ONLINE
