At least five people were killed and nine wounded after Al-Shabaab gunmen opened fire at a market in Tardo, Hiiraan region, following an attempted disarmament that sparked a gunfight.
The incident occurred after several Al-Shabaab fighters entered the market and attempted to disarm an armed man who was present at the scene, according to residents familiar with the incident.
The man reportedly refused to surrender his weapon, triggering an exchange of gunfire between him and the Al-Shabaab fighters.
Heavy shooting then broke out in the market, killing five people and injuring nine others, the local sources said.
The wounded were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment, according to the sources, who did not provide further details on the identities of those killed or injured.
The circumstances surrounding the casualties remained unclear, including whether the victims were directly involved in the confrontation or were caught in the gunfire.
The situation in the area was calm after the shooting, residents said. There was no immediate comment from Al-Shabaab on the incident.
The attack comes as authorities and local communities in Hiiraan have been seeking to strengthen security cooperation and revive efforts against Al-Shabaab, which has maintained a presence in parts of central and southern Somalia for years.
Somali Report · Newsletter
Your morning briefing on Somalia's biggest stories — politics, security, business, and the people shaping the region's future.
The incident also follows a reported agreement reached days earlier between elders from the Hawadle clan and Al-Shabaab.
The agreement was described as a peace deal intended to end hostilities between the clan and the militant group following previous clashes in Hiiraan, according to local sources.
The development came as efforts were under way to reorganise joint security operations involving local clan militias and Somali government forces in the region.
Hiiraan has been a major theatre in Somalia's campaign against Al-Shabaab, with local forces and government troops conducting operations against the group in recent years.
Community-based armed groups have played an important role in security operations in central Somalia, particularly since local fighters joined government forces in offensives against Al-Shabaab.
But relations between communities, government forces and the militant group remain complex, with local disputes and security arrangements often affecting the broader campaign.
Al-Shabaab, which has fought to overthrow Somalia's federal government and impose its own rule based on its interpretation of Islamic law, remains capable of carrying out attacks and maintaining control or influence in rural areas despite sustained military operations against it.
The latest violence underscores the fragile security situation in Hiiraan, where efforts to build cooperation between local communities and government forces continue alongside military operations against the group.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
Somalia condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, warns of regional security threat
