Fighting between Puntland forces and militants linked to radical Islamist group al-Shabab erupted in Galgala mountains Saturday early morning, officials say.
Puntland acting Security Minister Khalif Issa Mudan, told reporters in Garowe that Puntland forces launched an operation against the militants , after learning that they were gathering around the area.
“We managed to capture new bases, three of the militants were killed and seven of them injured. We lost only one soldier”, said the Security Minister.
He added that they will continue the fight against the militants until they secure the whole area. Al-Shabaab has not yet commented on this battle.
Elsewhere, witnesses told Horseed Media that several injured Soldiers were brought to the Bosaso main Hospital. Medical officers refused to give out more details.
The war between Puntland and al-Shabaab linked militants had started in 2010, dozens from both sides died since when and displacement of hundreds of families. al-Shabab officials have in several occasions threatened to carry out attacks in the region which has seen relative security since the civil war broke out in the country 1991.
In December, a deadly suicide bomb was targeted with a convoy of Puntland Marine forces in the port town of Bosaso leaving the death of seven people and more than 30 wounded.
In his inaugural Address, New President Dr Abdiweli Mohamed Ali vowed to fight against Al-shabaab and every group that is a threaten to the regions’s security.
Ayub Abdirahman
Horseed Media
