Macawisley militiamen seize federal camp in Beledweyne
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Puntland Post
Macawisley militiamen took control of Lamagalay camp in Beledweyne, where the offices of the Hiiraan regional administration and a Somali federal army base are located. The soldiers present left without a confrontation, Puntland Post reports, while the militiamen also deployed near the airport and in several parts of the city.
Macawisley militiamen seized Lamagalay camp today in Beledweyne, in Somalia’s Hiiraan region, Puntland Post reports. The site is home in particular to the regional administration’s headquarters and a federal army base. Federal soldiers present at the camp entrance withdrew without clashes or an exchange of fire, according to the Somali media outlet.
The militiamen, accompanied by military vehicles, were led by political figures and businesspeople opposed to the authorities of Hirshabelle state and the federal government of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. They also established positions outside Ugaas Khaliif airport and in several parts of Beledweyne, Puntland Post reports.
Political figures from Hiiraan opposed to Hirshabelle had recently threatened to establish a new administration. The move at Lamagalay reportedly aims to drive Hirshabelle officials still present in the city out of Beledweyne, according to Puntland Post.
