Inter-clan fighting kills at least 10 in central Somalia

At least 10 people have been killed and many others wounded in renewed inter-clan clashes in western Mudug, central Somalia, local media reported on Thursday.

Fighting erupted Tuesday between rival clan militias from the Galmudug and Puntland administrations in the Jiicboor and Saax-Quran areas, with both sides vying for control over contested land, according to local sources.

Some of the critically injured have been transported to medical facilities in both Galmudug and Puntland for treatment. The situation remains tense, with armed militias maintaining their positions.

Local elders and officials from both administrations have launched mediation efforts to de-escalate tensions and prevent further bloodshed, but no official statement has been issued by either regional authority.

The latest clashes follow a series of inter-clan conflicts in Mudug in recent days, which have severely affected local communities. Similar violence has frequently erupted in central Somalia, particularly in Galgaduud and Mudug, with past peace agreements often failing to hold.

Observers warn that ongoing inter-clan fighting could undermine military operations against Al-Shabaab in the region.