Somalia: Scores of NISA’s soldiers defect to Puntland
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- Posted On 13-10-2016, 01:11PM
GALKAYO, Puntland- The government of Somalia’s semi-autonomous region of Puntland, has announced on Wednesday, that some of Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) soldiers have defected to Puntland, Garowe Online reports.
The 3 soldiers reported they were part of a military unit, recruited and trained by NISA in Balan Bale and Abdu waaq districts in Central Somalia, and noted that they were initially deployed by NISA to secure the ongoing election process in Adado town in Galmudug but lured to join the fighting against Puntland region.
The soldiers stated they refused to take part in the aggression against Puntland civilians in Galkayo, and revealed that units from the Somali army were supporting Galmudug forces in the fight.
Speaking to the local media in Galkayo city, Puntland Minister of Environment, Ali Abdulahi Warsame, said that the matter has confirmed the involvement of Somali Federal government in fueling tensions in the region and called International community to intervene as Galmudug and Al Shabaab militias are coordinating attacks with the support of Somali troops.
The Minister also commented on an early decision by Federal government to deploy troops to Galkayo and revealed that such plans are intended to flare up conflicts in Mudug region.
Warsame said that Puntland government has evidences that 5 battle wagons belonging to the Somali army were used in the attacks carried out by Galmudug and Al Shabaab militias against its forces.
“The sporadic fighting is politically motivated and intended to undermine the statehood of Puntland. Our policy aims to ensure peaceful co-existence, good relations, Somali unity and spearheading efforts to rebuild the nation," added Minister Warsame.
Puntland and neighboring Galmudug administration, had long strained relations due to the frequent clashes over disputed areas in Mudug region. The warring administrations signed a peace pact last December but collapsed following renewed clashes this year.
GAROWEONLINE
