Conflict between rival Somali army factions leads to casualties; defense minister urges unity

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A delegation led by Abdiqadir Mohamed Nur, Somalia’s Minister of Defense, visited Barawe yesterday to address the escalating tensions. Barawe is the administrative capital of the South West regional state, a region specifically emphasized by Nur as the focus of the country’s second phase of liberation.

During his meetings with representatives from both factions, Minister Nur underscored the urgent need for unity and joint efforts. “It’s simply unacceptable to use tax-payer-funded weaponry to inflict harm on those very citizens,” Nur said, emphasizing the need for fiscal responsibility.

According to confirmed reports, at least ten people have been killed and several others injured in clashes between two rival factions within the Somali army in the urban center of Barawe. The conflict erupted last Monday and involved Somali Military troops and Southwest State Security personnel.

In addition, the delegation informed military officials of the federal government’s resolve to take action against those found responsible for the violent incidents. Simultaneously, a parliamentary committee has been commissioned to investigate the incident in Barawe with the expectation of compiling a comprehensive report on the situation and its underlying causes.