Fighting erupted in the coastal town of Bosaso in Puntland on Tuesday after regional troops launched a planned offensive to end weeks-long security force mutiny.
A military base housing Puntland’s Security Force (PSF), whose commander Mohamed Osman Diano defied a decree from the regional president in which he had been relived all from his duties and later staged mutiny, was shelled on Tuesday after clashes broke out.
Military vehicles could be seen across deserted streets of Ridwan neighborhood of Bosaso, where residents say troops have blocked them from fleeing their homes, forcing to remain in doors as stray bullets rain down.
Dozens of military vehicles rushing reinforcements for Puntland forces were seen heading to the front-lines. Region’s presidential guards are among soldiers involved the offensive to quell PSF offensive amid president Deni’s stay in the town of Biadoa where he had attended the third anniversary of the election of Abdiasis Laftagaren as Southwest state leader.
Five people were wounded in the clashes as they were admitted to the hospital.
Casualties on the troops that skirmished have not been revealed.