(16-05-23) MOGADISHU – In a violent altercation that occurred near Garowe airport in the early hours of Tuesday morning, at least three Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) soldiers were killed, and nine others were injured. The conflict arose between government forces and opposition politicians amidst growing tensions surrounding the local elections.
According to witnesses, the fighting broke out when government forces attempted to secure and transport ballot boxes to Garowe airport. Opposition politicians, who have been calling for a halt to the elections, sought to intervene in the process, fearing the potential for a security crisis.
“The situation was chaotic. We heard gunshots, and people were running for their lives,” said Abdullahi Osman, a local resident who was near the airport at the time of the incident.
Despite the skirmish, the transport carrying the ballot boxes managed to take an alternate route and reach safely back to Garowe. This information was confirmed by reliable sources, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
As of now, neither the government nor the opposition politicians have released official statements regarding the conflict. However, it has further heightened concerns among the local population about the security situation in Garowe.
“The safety of our people should be the main priority. The government and opposition need to find a peaceful solution to the election issue,” said Zamzam Abdi, a Garowe-based human rights activist.
This clash comes just hours after opposition politicians urged the public to halt the elections by refusing to vote in order to prevent further security crises. The situation in Garowe remains tense, with residents and international observers closely monitoring the unfolding events.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to Halqabsi News.
© Halqabsi News
