(SomaliNet) The governor of Bari region in Puntland state, northeast Somalia Muse Gele Farole said on Thursday they had sent armed forces to Bargale coast, 560km east of Bosaso, the largest city in Puntland to crack down what he called ‘Islamist remnants’ including foreign Al-Qaeda linked operatives who reached there with boats.
“We have been tipped that there were 35 heavily armed men and were aboard two high-speed boats, so our forces were deployed in the area to confront the Islamists,” he said.
Mr. Gedi told the local media this morning that when the Islamic insurgents with two boats came off shore a day before, they had suddenly clashed with the local militia supported by Puntland forces exchanging heavy gunfire.
“After several hours of gun battle, the Islamists faced strong resistance and one of their boats was captured by Puntland troops while the other escaped into the sea where they are being surrounded by the local militia and Puntland troops,” said Gedi.
The foreign fighters include Yemenis, Afghans, Asians and Arabs with Somalis and they were from Raskaboni islands in southern Somalia heading to Yemen, according to the governor.
“The insurgents are now in the mountains of Bargale coast for safe heaven but they are in isolation and will either give in to the forces or be captured in the coming hours,” added Gele.
Meanwhile, the president of Puntland state Adde Muse Hersi declined to comment on the presence of the Islamic Courts in Puntland regions. Earlier Mr. Muse said his regional government will not allow Islamist radicals to flourish inside Puntland. |