Abudwak, (IDNE, News Desk) โ A violent clash erupted in the Shilamadow area near Abudwaq District, involving local residents and NISA (National Intelligence and Security Agency) security forces. The conflict arose over the escorting of two trucks, reportedly transporting weapons from Ethiopia, which led to roadblocks lasting several hours.
Local sources confirmed that the confrontation resulted in fatalities and injuries. Residents managed to destroy one of the trucks, while Galmudug NISA forces protected the other. Reports suggest that the weapons were intended for the Somalia Central Regions, with speculation that Liban Shuluq, a candidate for President of Galmudug, sold these arms to NISA forces in Hiraan and Galgudud.
Conflicting preliminary reports indicate the possession of a significant number of weapons on the two trucks. Information suggests these weapons were bought by the Federal Government of Somalia and were being transported to Galmudug and Hiraan. The local militia in Abudwaq seized the weapons, which included over 5,000 AK-47s, hundreds of RPG launchers, DShK machine guns, and claymore mines.
The Galmudug security forces attempted to reclaim these weapons from the local population but were unsuccessful. The confrontation has resulted in the confirmed deaths of two individuals and injuries to several others.
In a tragic turn of events, Faysal Nur Salad, a senior NISA commander from the Habar Gidir clan, was killed while attempting to distribute the weapons secretly to his tribe for their ongoing conflicts. The Mareexaan tribal militias have flooded into the city to partake in the looting.
Social media images have emerged, showing locals distributing the seized arms among themselves. There is growing concern that if these weapons fall into the hands of Al-Shabaab, it could pose a significant threat to the Horn of Africa and undermine the Federal Government of Somalia’s offensive against the militant group.