Tension has rocked HirShabelle as reports indicate that rebel forces are approaching Beleyweyne.
The rebel forces are allied to General Abukar Huud.
Gen. Huud is a former Commander of the Somali National Army (SNA).
Colonel Nur Dhere is also working closely with Gen. Huud in agitating for separation of the HirShabelle State.
On the night of January 2, Gen. Huud informed BBC Somali Service that his forces were just outside Beleyweyne town.
In his view, the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) forced them to join Middle Shabelle to form the HirShabelle State.
Earlier, Governor Ali Jeyte of Hiiraan had declared a curfew in Beleyweyne as tensions remained high.