MOGADISHU, Somalia – A fierce fighting has broken out between two rival groups near Baladweyne town, some 335km north of the Somali capital Mogadishu.
The clash erupted over Hiran regional governorship after an ousted governor of Hiran region Yusuf Dabaged has rejected his dismissal, triggering heavy fighting near the town, a witness said.
He says a regional police commander, Mohamed Ma’ow Halane was killed and his deputy injured during the latest fighting near the town.
The dispute started last week after ousted governor Yusuf accused the president of Hirshabelle State Mohamed Abdi Waare of mismanagement.
Then, president Waare responded by sacking Yusuf, who rejected his dismissal and appointed Ali Mohamed Arale as the new governor of Hiran region in central Somalia.
Tension is reportedly building up high around Baladweyne as heavily armed forces loyal to the ousted governor are trying to fight against Hirshabelle state forces.
Baladweyne, a town lies some 335km in north of Mogadishu. It is under control of Djiboutian troops serving under African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia.
