The security crackdown in Bossaso, the commercial capital of Somalia’s northern stable state of Puntland, by security forces, which resulted to deportation of more than 500 people to their homes in southern Somalia this week will continue, says Bari regional governor.

Sheikh Abdihafid Ali Yussuf, speaking to Radio Garowe, said Puntland’s government will do anything to maintain the security of its commercial hub, Bossaso, adding that those deported posed security threat to the region

“Those people we deported are mainly unemployed who have nothing to do in Bossaso. We don’t target innocent persons, who earn living here, just because they are from southern regions” he said.

He applauded Bossaso residents for their cooperation on maintaining the security of the city, which is regarded as the melting pot and regional commercial hub with residents hailing from all over Somalia.

The crackdown entered its fourth day on Thursday. In recent past, the commercial city has witnessed several assassination plots and blasts targeted on government officials.

The perpetrators are believed to be people with links to militants fighting in southern Somalia, according to government officials.

Puntland, located at the northeastern tip of Somalia with shores along the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, has been a stable region since the outbreak of the Somali civil war in 1991.

GAROWE ONLINE