Reports of heavy gunfire near Mandera between warring soldiers

Residents of Mandera town were forced to go into hiding as two warring factions exchanged gunfire on Monday afternoon.

A heavy explosion was heard and then followed by gunfire signalling a clash between Jubbaland forces and the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS).

Reports indicated that FGS soldiers launched the attacks on Jubbaland army as tension continued to escalate over the weekend.

Residents reported that network was interrupted as the area became inaccessible as the gunfight persisted.

Wanted man

FGS troops have allegedly been camping at Bulahwa,, a town neighbouring Mandera, planning a raid to capture a fugitive Jubbaland minister, who has been hiding in the county.

Abdirashid Hassan Abdinur, alias Abdirashid Janan, arrived in Mandera town on January 30 and booked into a local hotel.

The Kenyan government had earlier dismissed the reports from the Federal Republic of Somalia that Kenya is encroaching its borders.

Meanwhile, social media has been awash with reports of the clash at the border with leaders from Mandera urging Government to enhance security in the region.

The police in Kenya have issued an update: