At least three people have been wounded in a fierce fighting between Somali government forces and armed militia in the southern coastal town of Marko, the provincial capital of Lower Shabelle region.
Reports from the town indicate that the gun battle between the two sides has erupted following a disagreement over illegal money being collected from the public transport at a checkpoint in the city.
Thursday’s clashes have temporarily halted business activities in the seaside in Marko, which once served as a major base for Al shabaab until 2012 when Somali and AMISOM troops pushed militants of the town.
Armed groups at the illegal checkpoints in the region usually impose huge levies on public service vehicles and harass passengers if the drivers don’t pay the money.
The federal government of Somalia has previously issued a stern warning to the militiamen and its soldiers who are setting up illegitimate roadblocks in Lower Shabelle region
