Street Battle Between Puntland forces and Militia in Gaalkayo
Gaalkayo (SDN) -A fierce battle took place in the northern part of Gaalka’yo city in the region of Mudug between Puntland’s armed forces and a local militia today. Three civilians died and the opposing parties sustained multiple injuries in the clash.
The fighting is believed to have started after Puntland forces began collecting tax payments in the neighbourhood of Garsoor which raised the ire of the local militia, the disagreement then led to open warfare in the streets of Garsoor.
The government of Puntland has not commented on this latest incident which highlights the growing insecurity in the region and the limitations of government control in some regions.
The city of Gaalka’yo in the region of Mudug is under the dual and often contentious control of Galmudug state and the Puntland regional administration which has led to conflict in the past and raises serious questions around state control and security.
SDN- Gaalkayo