Thousands of people displaced in Wisil fighting - UN

by: Staff Reporter | 28 June 2021 11:24

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Thousands of people displaced in Wisil fighting - UN

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) - United Nations (UN) has confirmed that thousands of people were displaced from homes after heavy fighting between Somali forces and al-Shabaab fighters in central Somalia.

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MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) - United Nations (UN) has confirmed that thousands of people were displaced from homes after heavy fighting between Somali forces and al-Shabaab fighters in central Somalia.

In a statement, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the clashes also killed several people in Wisil town located in northwest of the port town of Hobyo town, which is approximately 857 kilometers (532 miles) from Mogadishu.

"Reports from Galmudug indicate that thousands of people were displaced by violence in Wisil town, Hobyo district and arrived at Xero Dagaxley, Hobyo & Galkaacyo. Scores of civilians killed or injured. @OCHASom urges parties to conflict in Somalia to respect & protect civilians,” the agency said.

Al-Shabaab began the attack with Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) before the group’s fighters stormed base.

In a statement posted on its affiliate media, al-Shabaab claimed have killed more than 34 Somali soldiers in fighting.

Attack comes amid intensified operations against al-Shabaab fighters in central and southern Somalia.

The military claimed that its forces killed more than 200 fighters in series of operations in Middle and Lower Shabelle regions.

Somali backed by African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom) had recaptured several towns including Somali capital following fierce clashes with Al-Shabaab fighters.

Al-Shabaab currently controls villages and small towns in central and southern of the country.