Fresh details have emerged about fighting that broke out on Thursday in Galoqad, an area near Ceel Baraf in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region.

The clashes reportedly involved clan militias from the Abgaal and Hawaadle communities, with fighters from Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle taking part.

Local sources said the confrontation lasted for about an hour and resulted in deaths and injuries on both sides, although the exact casualty figures have not been independently confirmed.

Some unverified reports have put the number of fatalities at around 15.

Residents said the fighting caused some families to flee their homes amid fears that the violence could resume or spread to nearby settlements.

The security situation in Galoqad remains tense, with reports that armed reinforcements from both Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle have reached the area, raising concerns about a wider escalation.

The underlying cause of the latest confrontation has not yet been officially established, although the two communities have previously been involved in disputes over land, grazing areas, water resources and local boundaries.

Hirshabelle authorities and traditional elders from the two sides have yet to issue a detailed statement on the fighting or announce concrete efforts to mediate.