Five Killed in Militia Attack Amid Somalia's Arms Turmoil

At least five individuals were killed in central Somalia when militiamen ambushed a convoy with weapons allegedly from Ethiopia. The incident follows the lifting of a decades-long arms embargo, raising concerns about arms proliferation and security in the region.

Tragedy struck central Somalia as at least five individuals lost their lives when militiamen ambushed a convoy and seized heavy weaponry. Residents and local officials reported the attack, which highlights security concerns since a decades-long arms embargo was lifted seven months ago.

The convoy, travelling with a security escort near Abudwaq, was overrun by militiamen from a local clan. The attackers seized machine guns, anti-aircraft weapons, and rocket-propelled grenades believed to originate from Ethiopia. 'It's unfortunate that five people died over weapons,' said Ahmed Shire, a security adviser to the president of Galmudug State.

Rashid Abdi, an analyst with Sahan Research, described the incident as a major arms proliferation event, warning that some weapons might end up with al Shabaab militants. Abdi also criticized the lifting of the arms embargo on Somalia, calling it a strategic mistake.

(With inputs from agencies.)