Fighting broke out today in the Hiran region between forces of the Federal Government of Somalia and Al-Shabaab, specifically in the Xaanshi Gadafar area on the outskirts of Hees.
The engagement involved explosions, heavy weaponry, and direct gunfire exchanged by both sides.
Federal Government forces, who maintain a key command post in the Hees area, reportedly dispatched reinforcements to the troops stationed in Xaanshi Gadafar; however, it was later indicated that the latter forces withdrew from the location.
Information regarding casualties from this clash is not yet available.
This confrontation follows fighting yesterday in parts of the Hiran region—within the Hirshabelle State—that resulted in deaths and injuries.
There has been no statement from the Federal Government of Somalia addressing the attacks launched by Al-Shabaab against bases held by the Somali National Army and local Macawiisley militia forces in parts of the Hiran region.
