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Tuesday, July 16, 2024
ABDWAK (HOL) – At least 20 people were killed when troops escorting two trucks loaded with weapons, reportedly from Ethiopia, clashed with security forces and militias in Abdwak district of Galguduud region on Monday.
Local militia confirmed that they had seized all the weapons on the truck.
Ali Hashi Abdullahi, deputy security minister for the Galmudug region, told BBC Somalia that initial reports suggested the trucks were carrying communications antennas. However, suspicions grew and local militias blocked the road in the Shilomado area, leading to clashes between the two sides.
He added that the Galmudug state was investigating who owned the weapons and why they were brought to Galmudug, stressing that there were concerns that the weapons could fall into the hands of civilians, which could exacerbate conflict in the region.
Afghan Affairs Minister Ali Hashim could not confirm whether the country’s intelligence forces were guarding the weapons, but said everything would be known once the investigation was completed.
Videos posted on social media showed men looting two trucks and walking around with AK-47 rifles. Others claimed the trucks were carrying a deadly assortment of artillery, mortar shells and small arms.
On the other hand, the traditional elder leader of the Sad branch, Ughaz Mohammed Ughaz Ahmed Ughaz Farah, described the incident in Shilomado as irresponsible. He accused the federal government of taking military action in response to the weapons falling into the hands of militias.
The traditional elder called on the Federal Government to rein in the military and refrain from military action against civilians, holding the government accountable for any consequences resulting therefrom.
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