Some Somali families displaced by heavy fighting in Beled-Xawo and surrounding areas have arrived in Mandera county, Kenya, the Kenya Red Crescent Society has confirmed.
The Mandera branch of the Red Crescent, in partnership with the Ministry of Interior and the Mandera County Government, said eight Somali families affected by the fighting between federal government forces and those loyal to the Jubbaland administration have safely crossed into Kenya.
“These families crossed the border to escape the violence in their areas, and have been provided with immediate assistance including shelter, water and medical care,” a Kenya Red Crescent official said.
The intensification of the conflict has led to a significant displacement, with other families reportedly also heading towards the border.
Aid agencies and the county government are closely monitoring the situation, and are preparing to receive more people who may be able to reach the Kenya-Somali border areas.
Mandera officials said people fleeing the fighting were being treated with compassion and dignity, noting the close ties and shared heritage between communities on both sides of the border.
The new displacement comes amid growing concerns about the safety of civilians in Gedo region, where a fierce conflict has erupted again between the central government and the Jubbaland regional administration.
