DHUSAMAREEB (SD) – Several people have been killed and dozens displaced following fierce fighting between locals and al-Shabaab fighters in central Somalia.

According to Somali military in Galmudug state, the fighting erupted in a village in Bahdo district of eastern Galgadud region after Al-Shabaabfighters stormed the area.

The officials confirned that al-Shabaab fighters were defeated during the battle in Galgadud region.

The confrontation, which erupted in the early hours of Friday, started when militants loyal to the jihadist group attacked areas occupied by animal herders.

Youths from the area took up arms in defence of the land and their animals.

The herders resisted Al-Shabaab demands to pay money and give animals in the form of zakawaat (muslims’ contributions to Islamic coffers).

The pastoralists have also been resisting Al-Shabaab demands that their youngsters be recruited as child soldiers for the Al-Qaeda-linked group.