Somalia clash leaves 'dozens dead' in Galkayo city

MOGADISHU, Somalia

Dozens of people were killed and several others were injured in clashes between forces loyal to Galmudug and Puntland administrations in Somalia's Galkayo city Sunday, residents and local security sources told Anadolu Agency on Monday.

Galkayo is the capital of Somalia's north-central Mudug region, while Galmudug is in central part of the country and Puntland is in the northeast.

The clashes came less than a week after the two parties signed a peace deal in Dubai city in the United Arab Emirates over the Galkayo conflict.

The two parties accuse each other of starting the latest fight.

"Calm has been restored today [Monday] in the city after violent clashes that took place last Sunday," Ahmed Mahmoud, a resident of the city, said.

"Militias are still on the front line in anticipation of a surprise attack," he added.

There are conflicting reports about the exact casualty toll. According to Puntland region-based Garowe Online, the intense fighting resulted in 20 deaths and over 50 injured. Other reports claim the death toll could be as high as 50.

The Somali president denied claims the government had fueled the unrest in Mudug region over contested areas between Galmudug and Puntland, Garowe Online added.

At least 50,000 people have been displaced due to conflict between the two parties in Galkaya, according to the UN. Last month, 11 people were killed and dozens injured in similar clashes there.

Last week, the president had urged the two sides to immediately implement the signed agreement with full commitment to end violence in Galkayo so that peace and stability could prevail in the area, according to the Somalia National News Agency.