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Heavy fighting broke out on Tuesday in the southern Somali town of Beled Hawo between federal government troops and forces allied with the Jubaland regional administration. The clashes, which continued into a second day, left several people dead or injured, including civilians caught in the middle.
Residents of Beled Hawo reported intense gunfire throughout the town, with both sides using heavy weapons in densely populated areas. Many homes were damaged, and several civilians were injured as bullets struck residential buildings. Eyewitnesses described it as one of the worst battles in the town in recent months.
“It was terrifying. We heard gunfire all day. Some of it hit nearby homes,” said one local resident who asked not to be named for safety reasons. “People are scared. We don’t know if it’s over or if more fighting will come.”
Currently, Jubaland-aligned troops control strategic parts of Beled Hawo, while federal forces are stationed at a military base on the outskirts of town, known as the UK camp. Overnight, both groups reportedly received reinforcements, raising fears that the conflict may not be over yet.
On Wednesday morning, the situation in Beled Hawo was calmer, but far from stable. Residents described an uneasy silence, with many choosing to stay indoors, fearing another outbreak of violence.
“There’s no fighting at the moment, but we’re all staying inside,” said another resident. “We’re just waiting to see what happens next.”
So far, there is no clear count of how many people have been killed or wounded in the fighting. However, reports indicate that both combatants and civilians have been affected. Emergency services in the town are limited, making it difficult to provide medical care to the wounded or evacuate families from dangerous areas.
The ongoing clashes have drawn concern from humanitarian organizations working in the region. Aid groups say they are closely watching the situation, worried about the potential for further displacement of civilians and the limited access to critical services like food, water, and healthcare.
Beled Hawo, which lies near the Kenyan border, has been a flashpoint in past tensions between the federal government and the Jubaland administration. Disputes over political authority and control of border regions have led to repeated confrontations in recent years.
This week’s fighting appears to be part of that ongoing power struggle. While the federal government has not issued an official statement yet, local sources suggest the conflict may have been sparked by disagreements over security operations and territorial control.
The violence highlights the fragile security situation in Somalia, where disputes between the central government and federal member states continue to hinder efforts toward lasting peace. Clashes like the one in Beled Hawo not only disrupt local communities but also make it harder for humanitarian groups to operate in areas already affected by poverty, drought, and conflict.
As of now, the town remains tense. Residents hope that dialogue and negotiation will bring a peaceful end to the standoff, but many fear that more violence could erupt if political leaders fail to intervene quickly.
“We just want peace,” said a father of three, speaking from a makeshift shelter after fleeing his home. “Our children are scared. We don’t know where to go or what tomorrow will bring.”
Humanitarian agencies are urging both sides to respect civilian lives and ensure safe access to aid for those affected. Meanwhile, calls are growing for immediate de-escalation and renewed efforts to resolve the conflict through peaceful means.