GAROWE (Kaab TV) – The Puntland government has strongly condemned Tuesday’s fierce fighting in Dhahar district, Sanaag region, which pitted Puntland security forces against local militias.
The clashes resulted in at least five fatalities and sparked accusations of federal government interference.
The deadly confrontation erupted on the outskirts of Dhahar town.
Four of those killed were reportedly Puntland security personnel, while the fifth casualty was identified as a member of the opposing militia.
Puntland’s Minister of Interior, Abdi Farah Said (Juxa), pointed fingers at the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), accusing it of instigating the conflict.
Minister Juxa asserted that the federal government has recently been engaged in “social incitement, fanning conflicts, and creating unstable situations within Puntland.”
“We strongly condemn the Federal Government of Somalia, which in recent days has been engaged in fanning conflicts, inciting society, and orchestrating instability within the peaceful regions of Puntland,” Minister Juxa declared.
He further alleged that Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s government had established armed militias in Dhahar district yesterday afternoon, directly leading to the violence, deaths, and civilian displacement.
“Furthermore, we strongly condemn Hamza Barre’s government, which yesterday afternoon established armed militias it organized in Dhahar district of Haylaan region, causing conflict and fatalities,” the minister added.
“Blow to Anti-Terrorism Efforts”
Minister Juxa characterized the Dhahar conflict as “a blow to Puntland’s fight against the terrorist groups ISIS and Al-Shabaab, who are present in the Calmadow and Calmiskaad mountains.”
He also accused the Federal Government of misusing international aid intended for Somalia to destabilize Puntland, rather than utilizing it for the benefit of the Somali populace.
“Yesterday Ras Kamboni, today Dhahar,” Minister Juxa stated, suggesting a pattern of targeted actions against Puntland regions.
Eyewitnesses informed Kaab TV that Puntland security forces in the Qol area, on Dhahar’s outskirts, were conducting security operations after receiving intelligence about militia movements in the town.
A direct battle then ensued between the Puntland forces and the local militias.
This escalation forced many civilians to flee Dhahar town yesterday, seeking refuge in its surrounding areas.
As of Wednesday morning, the situation in Dhahar is reported to be calm, with Puntland security forces now in control of the town.
A Kaab TV reporter confirmed that local traditional elders issued a peace appeal today, urging both sides to cease hostilities and allow civilians to return home.
However, reports from Dhahar indicate that most of the town remains deserted, with a palpable sense of fear and conflict lingering among its residents.