Somaliland: Somaliland and Puntland in fresh battle over disputed area
Somaliland and Puntland are in new row following the attack on a convoy of top Somaliland government officials by suspected Puntland militia on Wednesday.
According to a statement from Somaliland government, suspected militia from Puntland attacked a convoy of Somaliland officials, including the Governor of Badhan, as it passed through the Hadaftimo District of the Sanaag Region.
“The Government of Republic of Somaliland expresses its deep alarm and regret over the flagrant and vicious attack by Puntland Militia on a convoy of Somaliland officials, including the Governor of Badhan, as it passed through the Hadaftimo District of the Sanaag region,” the statement from the Somaliland Ministry of Foreign affairs stated.
It added: “Such actions represent a dangerous and regressive step in previously improving relations between Somaliland and Somalia’s regional administration of Puntland, following several goodwill gestures, including the recent transfer of war prisoners.”