Getting a grip on Somalia's gold rush in Milxo

[Deeq A.]

As Al-Shabaab and Islamic State expand in Somalia, a growing artisanal gold mining practice has become a key target for their Zakaawat (taxation) operations in Northeastern Somalia. Thousands of Artisanal miners in the Golis mountains population center of Milxo have become their target for a new revenue stream, creating armed conflict in the area. Since early 2008, the Golis mountain ranges have been an area of insurgency featuring the Puntland State Government of Somalia and the Al Qaeda affiliate, Harakatul Shabaab Mujahideen (HSM), commonly known as Al-Shabaab.

Source: Hiiraan Online