Somalia: Wanla-Weyn Deputy Commissioner killed in ambush, weapons looted as clan conflict escalates in Lower Shabelle

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Somalia: Wanla-Weyn Deputy Commissioner killed in ambush, weapons looted as clan conflict escalates in Lower Shabelle

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – The deputy district commissioner of Wanla-Weyn, Hashim Mohamed Shareero, met a tragic end in an ambush near Bulo Hansho village while returning from Mogadishu on Friday night, as confirmed by local officials.

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The deputy district commissioner of Wanla-Weyn, Hashim Mohamed Shareero.

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – The deputy district commissioner of Wanla-Weyn, Hashim Mohamed Shareero, met a tragic end in an ambush near Bulo Hansho village while returning from Mogadishu on Friday night, as confirmed by local officials.

Wanla-Weyn which is a strategic town on the main road to Baidoa is about 90km (55 mi) from the capital, Mogadishu.

Reports indicate that a clan militia blocked the main road between Wanla-Weyn and Afgooye during the incident. Disturbingly, the armed clan militia singled out the deputy commissioner before shooting him at a point-blank range causing his immediate demise, according to Abdihakin Abdullahi, the District Commissioner of Wanla-Weyn.

"We are sending our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of The deputy district commissioner of Wanla-Weyn, Hashim Mohamed Shareero. May he rest in peace,” the Wanla-Weyn District Administration wrote on their Facebook page.

The militia not only targeted the deputy commissioner but also looted a significant cache of weapons and ammunition from the convoy destined for Wanla-Weyn.

According to local security sources, the arms and ammunition being transported from the Somali National Army storage in Mogadishu were diverted for the ongoing clan conflict in the Lower Shabelle region.

The influx of heavy machine guns and ammunition, diverted from the Somali military, is exacerbating the clashes between rival militias in Wanla-Weyn and Barawe. This has resulted in the loss of numerous civilian lives and the displacement of hundreds of people.

The situation has further escalated as gunmen have now barricaded the road connecting Afgoye and Wanla-Weyn, leading to a disruption in commercial transportation between the two towns.

Numerous drivers have reported being trapped due to the blockade, hampering the flow of goods and services in the area on Saturday.

The regional administration in Lower Shabelle has yet to provide a statement regarding these incidents.