BAIDOA (KAAB TV) – At least fifteen people were killed and twenty-one others wounded in heavy fighting that erupted last week in Dinsoor district, located in Somalia’s Bay region, under the South West State administration.
The clashes, which began on Tuesday, involved armed militias from two local clans and have since spread from rural areas into the town itself, according to security officials.
Security sources confirmed that the fighting initially broke out in several villages on the outskirts of Dinsoor — including Gurban, Yaaq Barawe, and Rahoole — but the conflict has since expanded into the main district center.
Mohamed Adan Noor, the Commander of the Somali Military Police, said that the violence has now reached populated areas, raising fears of further civilian casualties.
“Clan-based fighting is ongoing in Dinsoor between militias belonging to local communities. We have received credible information that weapons have been smuggled from Al-Shabaab-controlled areas into the city,” said Commander Noor.
Local sources indicate that the clashes are between militias from the Geeledle and Dabarre clans, both of whom reside in and around Dinsoor.
The district, which is already under a partial siege by the militant group Al-Shabaab, hosts both Somali National Army (SNA) and Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) troops operating under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
According to eyewitnesses and community informants, the current wave of violence was triggered by a series of sexual assaults allegedly carried out by armed community militias.
Reports claim that the conflict began after a woman was raped and seriously injured by members of one militia group in the outskirts of Dinsoor.
In retaliation, opposing militias attacked and assaulted two other women, escalating tensions into open warfare.
Incidents of sexual violence in conflict zones have been increasing in parts of southern Somalia, with women and girls often targeted by armed groups.
Human rights organizations have repeatedly called on local authorities to take stronger measures to protect civilians and bring perpetrators to justice.
The South West State administration has not yet issued an official statement regarding the conflict, sparking concern among residents and local leaders.
Members of the South West regional parliament have publicly appealed for calm and urged the warring parties to end hostilities.
During a press briefing in Baidoa, MP Hassan Carte condemned the violence and called for immediate reconciliation efforts.
“You who fear God and care for your community, stop the bloodshed. We must not allow our people to destroy each other,” said MP Carte.
The lawmakers reminded the rival clans that they have lived together for generations and must continue to coexist peacefully despite current tensions.
Despite repeated appeals from elders and local officials, fighting reportedly continues in parts of Dinsoor district. Civilians—especially women and children—remain trapped between frontlines, with limited access to food, medical aid, and safe shelter.
Humanitarian organizations have expressed alarm over the deteriorating situation, warning that the ongoing violence could further destabilize the Bay region, already struggling with insecurity and displacement due to Al-Shabaab blockades.
As of now, no concrete measures have been taken by regional authorities or federal forces to disarm the militias or mediate between the conflicting clans.
Local leaders continue to call for urgent intervention to prevent further loss of life and restore stability in Dinsoor.