GALKAYO (KAAB TV ) – Suspected clan militia in Mudug region, central Somalia, ambushed a bus in Saaxo town on Saturday night, resulting in at least five fatalities and six injuries, according to Mudug Governor Feisal Ali Sheikh.
Governor Feisal, who visited the area, revealed that the attackers, believed to have connections with Al-Shabaab, targeted a bus carrying 11 civilian travelers, all from the same family.
The victims included a man, his wife, two nephews, a cousin, and his sister. Regrettably, one of the injured individuals later succumbed to injuries at Galkayo hospital.
Expressing concern, Governor Feisal stated, “This is the fourth incident. It seems sad and it is against the Muslim culture and the Somali culture. Whenever we try to resolve the conflict, Al-Shabaab influences the clans to kill each other.”
In light of the escalating insecurity and clan-based conflict, Puntland’s governor for Mudug called on Galmudug authorities to react and collaborate in addressing the growing challenges.
Saaxo district, located in the Mudug region near the Ethiopian border, is a region where Galmudug and Puntland share a border.
Local officials suggest that the area is heavily infiltrated by the Al-Shabaab militant group.
The incident in Saaxo has sent shockwaves throughout the region, including Galkayo city, the capital of Mudug, where both Galmudug and Puntland control portions of the city.
On Sunday, the local community in Galkayo City was mourning with the aftermath of this tragic ambush.
As of now, Galmudug authorities have not commented on the incident.