Wednesday July 23, 2025
Beled Hawo, Somalia (HOL) — Heavy fighting erupted Tuesday in the southern town of Beled Hawo between Somali federal forces and troops aligned with the Jubaland administration for the second day, leaving multiple people dead or wounded, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Jubaland forces currently hold key positions within the town, while federal troops are stationed at the UK camp, a military base on the town’s outskirts.
Local residents woke up Wednesday to an uneasy calm, but fear renewed violence as both sides have reportedly received reinforcements overnight. “We are scared the fighting will resume at any moment,” said one resident who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Tuesday’s battle was among the most intense seen in recent months, with gunfire striking civilian homes and causing casualties among non-combatants. The exact number of dead and wounded remains unclear.
Humanitarian agencies are closely monitoring the situation amid concerns about potential displacement and limited access to emergency services in the area.