Heavy fighting between Somaliland and Puntland forces erupted on Tuesday, May 15, in the outskirts of Tukaraq town in Sool region, north of Somalia.
Intelligence reports say, the crossfire erupted after Puntland troops at frontline came under ambush by breakaway Somaliland soldiers early in the morning.
Reports with the exact figure of causalities have not yet been released, although Abdi Hersi Ali “Qarjab”, Puntland’s Minister of Information said the state troops managed to push back Somaliland armed forces.
The minister accused Somaliland of starting the fight.
Somaliland army official said that they encountered multi-front counter-offensive from Puntland state forces during the clashes which flared up.
There has been tension building in Tukaraq during the past three months after Somaliland troops have seized control of the strategic town in January following an incursion against Puntland Defense forces stationed there.
Somaliland and Puntland have previously fought battles since 2002 over control of disputed regions in Northern Somalia.
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