LASQORAY, Somalia 02 Jun 2012 (Garowe Online) - Somaliland naval forces attacked a crew of engineers assessing the port of Lasqoray a town under Puntland authority,   Radio Garowe reports.

According to Deputy Minister of Security Abdijamal Osman Mohamed Somaliland naval forces attacked a crew of engineers who were aboard a ship escorted by Puntland forces on Friday. The engineers were assessing the renovation of the port in the coastal town of Lasqoray.   Puntland forces in Lasqoray fended off the attack, there were no casualties.

Minister Mohamed who held a press conference in Garowe said, that the blatant attack by Somaliland would not be tolerated by Puntland, adding that the attack was one against the advancement of Puntland and Somalia at this critical stage.

 “This cowardly attack shows that the government in Somaliland wants to cause insecurity in Puntland and is opposing the progress of peace and reconciliation in Somalia,” said Minister Mohamed.  

The Minister also gave a stark warning to Somaliland telling the government to stay away from the port of Lasqoray reminding the Somaliland government that the town of Lasqoray is under the authority of Puntland.

“We are asking our brothers of Somaliland to stay away from disrupting the port of Lasqoray which is under our jurisdiction and whose people support the Puntland government,” said Minister Mohamed.

The attack which did not stem any casualties has been regarded by the Puntland government as a blatant attack by the Somaliland government. Puntland has advised the Somaliland government to stop the reoccurring attacks on Puntland constituencies.

GAROWE ONLINE