At least five people, including deputy police commissioner for Bay region were killed Wednesday in an armed clash between Somali police and military forces in Baidoa city, Keydmedia Online reports.
Witnesses reported that the battle erupted on Wednesday afternoon between police and military troops disputed over illegal tax on lorry trucks at a police checkpoint near Saldhig Bari (eastern police station) of the town, triggering in a prompt shoot-out.
Five pro-government soldiers, among them Col. Nishow Kurtun have been killed and 7 other people were wounded during the armed confrontation. The Fierce gunfire lasting an hour was heard coming from the main police barrack in the city Centre.
Somali troops intervened in the conflict in support of African Union forces (AMISOM) stationed in Baidoa, the capital of Baay region.
“It’s unfortunate that this afternoon fighting ensued among the government troops themselves over illegal tax,” an army commander said. “What happened was a misunderstanding among the police and military and it ended in their unit.”
Baidoa, Somalia’s third strategic city has been stable and under government and AU troops control over the past two years since Al shabab militants were pushed out of the city.
Idale News Online, Baidoa
