Wednesday February 26, 2025

A file photo of Luuq, a town in Somalia’s Gedo region

Kismayo (HOL) — Heavyfighting broke out Wednesday morning in Luuq, a district in Somalia’s Gedo region, as rival clan militias engaged in a deadly confrontation, local sources reported.

Residents described waking up to the sound of heavy gunfire as the two groups exchanged fire within the town and its outskirts. Witnesses said both sides were using a combination of heavy and light weaponry, with sporadic shelling reported in residential areas.

Authorities in Luuq could not be reached for comment, but initial reports indicate casualties on both sides, with multiple deaths and injuries. The exact number of casualties remains unclear.

The renewed violence comes weeks after the Jubbaland administration mediated peace talks between the feuding clans, aiming to broker a lasting ceasefire. Officials had warned that any party violating the agreement would face repercussions.

Jubbaland has yet to issue a statement on the latest outbreak of violence.

This story is developing.