Somalia: Armed militias ambushes Puntland forces convoy

GALKAYO, Puntland- Puntland troops Convoy escorting vehicles bound to Southern Somalia was attacked by armed militia in Ba’adwaye district of Mudug region on Saturday, Garowe Online reports.

Puntland forces were delivering four technicals and a bullet-proof Toyota Land Cruiser bound for Somali government troop’s allied militias in El Bur town that is fighting Al Shabab militants group in central Somalia.

The clashes erupted when armed militia attempted to intercept and seize the vehicles, prompting fire exchange between both sides, resulted in the death of member from the armed militia, injury of Puntland soldier and seizure of vehicle belonging to Puntland forces.  

Last month, El Bur bound vehicles were offloaded from a ship carrying food aid at Bossaso port, but Puntland commandos have seized the vehicles in route to southern Somalia, complaining of unpaid salaries and worsening conditions of military equipment. Nugal region elders intervened in the matter and after negotiations Puntland commandos released back the vehicles.

However, Puntland government officials didn’t release statement regarding the clashes.  

Puntland region located northeastern of Somalia has been relatively stable compared to the rest of Somalia but violence and instability have been rising in recent months.

GAROWEONLINE