Beled-hawo (Sunatimes) Fighting between pro-government forces and al-Shabaab militants has pushed thousands of civilians out of their homes, in Beled Hawo. The fighting near the border with Kenya, meanwhile, has displaced roughly 60,000 people in the region.

A resident of the town who was contacted by Bar-kulan on phone said that 80% of the town’s population has fled from the fighting. Those who remained behind live in fear as the violence may erupt anytime.

At least fifteen civilians were killed in clashes between militias loyal to the transitional government and al-Shabaab near the Kenyan border.

Kenya has reportedly sent its own forces to man border areas amid the latest violence. However there are no aid groups that have offered a helping hand to the displaced persons.

The United Nations said last week it was considering sending permanent staff to Mogadishu as the transitional governments claims additional victories over al-Shabaab.

By Radio Bar Kulan