Beledweyne (Sunatimes)Transitional Somali government forces and Al-shabab insurgents are once again preparing for another fight in Beletweyne, the capital of Hiran region.

The two forces are now reported to be close to each other at Kura Ali Qiyano village, which is located three KM to Beletweyne town.

Residents were on this morning seen fleeing the town. Businesses remain closed for the second day. Militants and government forces have also closed some of the roads leading into Beletweyne, making it difficult for some residents to escape the violence.

Beletweyne town was a host to hundreds of nomad families who recently left their pastoral land due to the ravaging drought in the country. They fear the fighting will again displace them forcing them to flee.

Al-shababa militants and forces loyal to the TFG yesterday clashed at the out skirts of Beletweyne town, causing tension to rise in the area. Some residents told radio Bar-kulan that they saw Shabab insurgents burying some of their militias who died in yesterday’s fighting.

By Fadumo Farah