Heavy fighting in Somalia's Puntland claims several lives

BOSSASO, Puntland - Heavy fighting was reported on Tuesday afternoon following clashes between Puntland Security Forces [PSF] and troops loyal to sacked PSF director, who is seeking total control of the US-backed counter-terrorism agency.

Multiple eyewitnesses said troops from PSF loyal to sacked commander Mohamud Osman Diano engaged in a gunfight with Puntland security officers in Bosaso as the standoff over PSF control took another twist.

At mid-morning, most of the streets of Bosaso, the commercial capital of Puntland, were empty as some of the residents vacated the town for the sake of their safety. The two sides have been wrangling for almost a month now over a change of PSF leadership.

While both sides are said to be using heavy and small arms, and there are reports of casualties on innocent civilians in the coastal town. Diano has been in charge of the Puntland Security Forces until Nov. 24 when he was sacked by President Deni.

Sources at the hospitals confirmed that at least four people are dead and 16 others wounded, including soldiers from both warring sides. 

For weeks, there have been attempts to solve the conflict in the northern states but Deni has remained defiant, insisting that Diano doesn't have an option other than quitting. He's seeking total control of security forces, months after local elections on Puntland.

Previously known as Puntland Intelligence Agency [PSA], the forces were incorporated by the United States security forces who have been training besides sponsoring them to be capable of fighting terrorism.

What complicates the situation further is that the doors for talks close and this is a setback for PSF who have been critical in the fight against Al-Shabaab and other militants in the region. PSF is credited for the war on Al-Shabaab and ISIS militants in the Bari region.

Observers argue that if the situation is not solved in time, it could further escalate to higher levels, further complicating the security situation in Somalia. Puntland has been enjoying peace when compared to other southern regions, where Al-Shabaab has a strong presence.

GAROWE ONLINE