Security

Clashes and Gunfire Trap Residents in Moyale

TIKVAH Ethiopia · 3 hours ago · Read the Full Story on TIKVAH Ethiopia
Clashes and Gunfire Trap Residents in Moyale
AI SUMMARY

Gunfire and heightened tension in the border town of Moyale have trapped residents in their homes following a dispute over the hoisting of the Somali regional flag.

  • Gunfire broke out across various areas of the border town of Moyale starting around 11:30 PM Wednesday.
  • The conflict was triggered by the hoisting of the Somali Regional State flag in a disputed boundary area separating the Oromia and Somali regions.
  • A prior conflict on Sunday, resulted in the death of a 13-year-old girl and the disruption of transport, trade, and station services.
  • Elders and security officials had reached an agreement for the flag to be removed, but the decision sparked protests among Somali residents in Kebele 02.
  • Federal security forces had temporarily stopped the exchange of fire, but fighting resumed and spread to other border areas between the two regions.
  • Residents reported heavy ongoing gunfire and expressed fear that they were unable to leave their homes.