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| Africa Horn | |
| Puntland Defence Forces urged to confront Somaliland, Shaboobs | |
| 2014-04-21 | |
Addressing infantry battalions on Takaraq frontline near Sool regional capital of Lasanod on Friday, Puntland's Minister of Security Hassan Osman Alore said that the armed forces are tasked with deterring external threats including aggression and terrorism. "You are expected to fullfil your duties and repel attacks by Al Shabaab and Somaliland at all times," added Alore in the presence of Puntland Police commander-in-Chief Gen. Mohamed Saed Jaqanaf and his Deputy Col. Mohiyadin Ahmed Musse. The state's security apparatus heads went out on the trip to Tukaraq after Somaliland deployed hundreds of its troops in Sool and Sanaag in an effort to exert credible authority over the areas remaining in the hands of Puntland and the local militia of Khaatumo. Garaad Jama Garad Ismael, a prominent Dhulbahante clan elder and one of the key founders of Khaatumo Friday defected to Somaliland. Puntland leader Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas accused Somaliland of providing financial muscle with Al Shabaab militants in Galgala area during his provincial visit to Bossaso port city last month. Somaliland President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud (Siilaanyo) toured the coastal town of Laasqoray which lies 107km from Bossaso, laying foundation rock for a new seaport and disclosing forthcoming development projects to the residents. Puntland and Somaliland, located in northern Somalia have fought sporadic battles since 2002 over the control of territories mainly in Sool region, with threats of instability gaining momentum following the seizure of Lasanod in military offensive in October 2007 by Somaliland forces. | |
| Posted by:Steve White |