Soldiers have taken control of government buldings in the Central province of Hiran after going seven months without pay.
The troops have not been paid since they were deployed to the province and are blaming corruption by local goverment. They have seized the buildings in Balet Weyne and have said they will keep them until they are paid.
Troops have also seized a barracks in Jowhar, north of the capital Mogadishu, with reports of gunfire although not of any injuries so far.
There are also reports that deserting soldiers from other provinces have set up illegal checkpoints outside the town according to Colonel Hubera who is comanding the troops in Balet Weyne: "Soldiers who escaped from Manas and Bali Dogle military camps are staging a massive robbery on the outskirts of Balet Weyne. We have been informed that they beat people when they find no valuable items from them. In fact, we are planning to do something about the situation."
