MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Death toll from heavy gun battles that continue for the third consecutive day in the town of Luq in south Somalia’s Gedo region has soared to more than 20.
A local official told VOA Somali that more than 12 people were killed in the gun battle on Sunday alone and many more wounded. Among those killed were people traveling on the road linking Baidoa and Luq, who have been targeted by one of the parties involved in the conflict.
The initial skirmish erupted on Friday over the killing of two soldiers and swiftly escalated into a full-blown confrontation. The conflict has divided government forces stationed in the town along clan lines, each fighting alongside their respective clans despite attempts by African Union peacekeepers and regional authorities to bring the gunfight to an end.
Jubaland regional President Ahmed Madobe has called for an end to the fighting, though clashes ongoing in Luq show no sign of abating as combatants from both sides receive fresh reinforcements.
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