Reports from the Tardo area in the Hiran region indicate that heavy fighting is underway between Al-Shabaab militants and local residents following an incident in the center of the area, according to the Tardo district commissioner speaking to Risaala Media.
The fighting reportedly began after Al-Shabaab militants attempted to take a weapon from a local resident, sparking an armed confrontation that subsequently spread throughout the area.
According to local sources who spoke to Risaala Media, Al-Shabaab militants opened fire on civilians in the center of Tardo, resulting in numerous casualties.
Preliminary reports indicate that more than 10 people were affected by the incident, though the exact figure has not yet been confirmed.
Tardo is particularly busy on Thursdays, as people from the Hiran and Middle Shabelle regions gather there for trade and travel; consequently, the incident has had a significant impact on both local residents and travelers visiting the area.
