Somalia: Seven dead in clashes between Puntland & Galmudug forces in Galkayo City

On Saturday, at least 7 people were killed and more than 30 were injured in clashes between Puntland state army and forces loyal to Galmudug admnistration in Galkayo city.
Tensions flared on 22nd of November when a militia from Galmudug opened fire on Construction workers at the site of road project in Garsoor neighborhood, an area part of West-Galkayo which is controlled by Puntland.
Galkayo City is the provincial capital of Mudug region. Puntland controls the West, North & east of the city while forces loyal to Galmudug administrations are based in the southern neighborhood of Barahley.
For several days elders from both sides where trying to mediate but did not succeed and many residents have fled the city.
Yesterday’s clashes were the most intense fighting in the city and both-sides used heavy weaponry.
Puntland forces claimed that they successfully repulsed Galmudug attack on their territories.
The Prime minister of Somalia Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke was planning to visit Galkayo on Saturday, but his trip was canceled due to the heavy fighting. He later returned to Mogadishu after a short trip to Garowe the capital of Puntland and Addado city where he met with the leaders of both administrations.

Sharmarke says a group of Ministers and MPs from the Federal government will travel to Galkayo.
But Puntland government claims the 21st army Unite of the Federal government were assisting Galmudug militias with their assault on Puntland controlled areas, this can undermine meaningful progress to resolve the conflict.
The 21st Army unite of the Federal government is based in Galgadud region, this unite had previously been involved in clashes with the Ahlu Sunna armed groups in the central province of Galgadud.
Hussein Farah
Horseed Media