Puntland: 2 Puntland soldiers dead in fighting with Atom’s militias near Bosaso
At least two are dead and four injured following fighting between security forces of the semi-autonomous state of Puntland and militias loyal to Sheikh Mohamed said (also known as Atom) in Laag village, 30km away from Bosaso in the north of the Bari region. The fighting erupted, according to the residents and officials, after the militias attacked bases belonging to the security forces.
A farmer in Laag village who requested to be identified only as Mukhtar told Somalia Report, “The fighting broke out around 3am, after militants attacked Puntland bases in Laag village.”
A Puntland official for the Bari region, Abdiwahid Mohamed, confirmed the fighting to Somalia Report, but denied that Sheikh Atom’s militia took part saying, “An unknown militia attacked our bases and forces in Laag village late on Thursday night, but it was not Atom’s militia. I am sure they were cowards who cannot face our soldiers directly, and we will investigate who they are as soon as possible.” He added that the four soldiers who were injured have been taken to Bosaso hospital to receive treatment.