Fears of clan conflict intensified Sunday in Somaliland’s western regions after rival elders in Awdal and Salal declared they were ready for war, while the military said it is investigating reports that "foreign shooters” may have killed civilians during unrest in Borama.

The warnings followed the government’s decision to cancel the Issa Covenant ceremony scheduled for Dec. 14 in Zeila. Elders supporting the covenant responded by declaring war during a meeting in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia. Hours later, elders opposing the covenant held a gathering in Borama and announced that they, too, were prepared to mobilize. Local leaders say both sides have begun organizing supporters, raising concerns that the political dispute could evolve into violent confrontation.

The declarations came as Borama continued to reel from two days of unrest that left more than 10 young people dead and dozens injured. Hospitals are treating gunshot victims, and several bodies remain in morgues as authorities work to identify the dead and confirm the circumstances of the killings.

Somaliland’s military said it is tracking reports that unidentified individuals firing sniper rifles may have targeted civilians during the clashes. Col. Mohamed Abdi Abdille, speaking for the armed forces, said national troops did not intentionally shoot residents and warned against assuming military involvement without evidence.

"We believe a third party was involved,” Abdille said. "Reports indicate that individuals from distant positions used sniper rifles against civilians. We are following these accounts closely.”

No evidence has been released publicly to support the claim, and no arrests have been made. Somaliland House of Representatives MP Mohamed Abiib Yusuf, however, reported thatsecurity forces fired live roundsas crowds protested on Friday and Saturday. The military has sent medical teams and ambulances to Borama to support emergency response efforts.

Tensions rose again early Sunday when small groups of civilians gathered outside the Central Bank of Somaliland branch after rumors spread that officials planned to remove cash from the facility. Bank leaders denied the reports and urged residents to disperse. Traditional elders condemned the protests and called for calm.

Armed men continue to occupy hills around Borama, despite appeals from religious leaders to disarm. Community members say the heightened mobilization reflects the wider strain caused by the dispute over the Isse Covenant, which has become a point of contention between competing clan factions.

Local and national leaders are urging both sides to avoid escalating the situation, noting that Awdal and Salal have historically played stabilizing roles in Somaliland. Authorities say the region remains tense as investigations into the Borama killings continue and elders hold competing meetings that could influence whether the conflict expands or recedes.