Cabudwaq, Somalia – Heavy fighting broke out Saturday in Cabudwaq, a town in Somalia’s central Galgadud region, between local police forces and armed clan militias.
The violent confrontation was reportedly sparked by a disagreement over the direction of a new gate being constructed at the town’s police station.
According to local sources, what began as a dispute over the gate’s orientation quickly escalated into an armed conflict, with both sides exchanging heavy gunfire for several hours.
The sounds of sustained gunfire sent shockwaves through the town, prompting residents to seek shelter and triggering widespread panic.
Although the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed, initial reports suggest that multiple people have been killed or injured.
Medical facilities in the town have been overwhelmed, and eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and confusion as families attempted to flee affected areas.
Community elders and regional authorities have called for an immediate ceasefire and urged all parties to resolve the dispute through dialogue.
“This conflict was unnecessary and avoidable,” said one elder. “We cannot afford to spill blood over a matter that could have been settled peacefully.”
The incident underscores the fragility of local governance and the volatility of clan dynamics in parts of Somalia, where disputes over land, resources, and administrative decisions can quickly spiral into violence.
Security officials in Galmudug State have pledged to investigate the cause of the clashes and hold those responsible accountable. However, the situation remains tense, with fears of renewed violence if mediation efforts fail.
Cabudwaq has witnessed relative stability in recent months, making Saturday’s outbreak a worrying setback for peace efforts in the region.
Local civil society organizations have called on the federal and Galmudug authorities to increase engagement with community leaders to prevent further bloodshed.
More details are expected as the situation develops and authorities assess the full impact of the incident.