Over 50 killed in fighting in central region

Three days of heavy fighting in the northwest of Galgadud Region have left at least 50 people dead and over 150 wounded, local sources in the regional capital, Dusa-Mareb, told IRIN on Monday. The fighting broke out last week between the Darod subclan of the Marehan and the Dir subclan of Fiqi Muhumud, and was concentrated in and around the village of Herale, some 80 km northwest of Dusa-Mareb, said Nur Mu'allim Dhere of the Dir. Herale village is populated by the Dir. According to Abdinasir Hashi of the Marehan clan, the current clashes were triggered by revenge killings for the death in May last year of a prominent Marehan businessman. But the ensuing escalation of violence was also attributed to disagreements over water and grazing in the area, another source from a neutral clan told IRIN. "It is more about water and grazing land right now. Herale is close to a good pasture area and water points are very close," he said. "Each group is trying to dislodge the other." This particular clash between the two groups had been "exacerbated by the easy availability of heavy weapons and the terrain in which they are fighting", he added, noting that the area was flat, offering no cover from the battle-wagons (technicals) both sides were using. Nur told IRIN that his clan had lost 26 dead and over 65 wounded in the three days of fighting. Meanwhile, according to Abdinasir, the Marehan have lost about 40 dead and "over 70" wounded. The fighting has reportedly displaced hundreds of families, leaving them with no access to wells or water points, Nur said. He stressed the need for help, "but given the lack of roads and the current insecurity in the area, I doubt if anyone will come to our aid". Most of the displaced belong to the Dir, and have moved to safer areas like Dusa-Mareb, he said. Humanitarian sources in Dusa-Mareb told IRIN that if the fighting continued, "it could have serious humanitarian repercussions for the communities involved". "The biggest problem at the moment seems to be displacement and lack of shelter," the source said. Both sides claim to be ready for peace talks, but so far no mediation efforts are taking place. The fighting subsided over the weekend, but the sides admit that "it is just a matter of time before a new round of fighting begins again". "Both sides are regrouping and rearming," said Nur.