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At least twelve people were killed on Monday in central Somalia during a violent confrontation between government soldiers and local militias over two truckloads of illegally imported weapons smuggled from Ethiopia. Among the dead were two soldiers, according to a Somali security official who requested anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.
The clash occurred in the village of Shiilamaow, approximately 20 kilometers northwest of Abudwak town, near the Ethiopian border. According to the Internal Security Ministry, government forces had seized the illegally imported weapons from “illegal weapons traders” and were transporting them when they were intercepted by armed militias who had set up a checkpoint. The local militias, reinforced by additional clansmen, managed to overpower the government troops.
Federal response to the Illegally imported weapons
While the Somali government did not disclose the exact quantity of the seized weapons, the security official informed VOA Somali that the cache included two truckloads of DShK and PKM machine guns, AK-47 assault rifles, pistols, and ammunition.
In response to the illegally imported weapons incident, the government has appealed to local residents and elders to assist in recovering the weapons and returning them to government control. This appeal highlights the ongoing challenges the Somali government faces in maintaining security and stability in the region.
This incident occurs against the backdrop of the United Nations Security Council’s decision in December of last year to fully lift a weapons embargo on Somalia, which had been in place since 1992. The embargo was originally imposed to curb the flow of arms to warring factions during Somalia’s civil war. Its removal was intended to help the Somali government strengthen its security forces as it continues to battle various armed groups, including al-Shabab militants, who have been responsible for numerous attacks and destabilizing activities in the country.
The Somali government has been attempting to reassert control over the nation, which has been plagued by decades of conflict and lawlessness. The proliferation of weapons, combined with the presence of multiple armed militias (Clashes between Somali Security forces and Al Shabaab Militias – Somali Magazine), poses a significant challenge to these efforts. The government’s strategy involves not only military action but also engaging local communities and leaders to foster cooperation and support for peace and security initiatives.
The clash in Shiilamaow underscores the volatility of the region and the difficulties faced by the Somali government in curbing illegal arms smuggling and controlling militia groups. The involvement of local clans in the militia’s reinforcement indicates the complex social dynamics at play, where loyalty to clan and family can sometimes override allegiance to the central government.
Efforts to stabilize Somalia
Efforts to stabilize Somalia continue amid international support, but incidents like this highlight the fragility of the situation and the need for sustained and multifaceted approaches to peacebuilding and governance. The international community, particularly organizations like the United Nations, remains crucial in supporting Somalia through diplomatic, economic, and security assistance to help the nation overcome its longstanding challenges.