Tuesday November 22, 2022
Hargeisa (HOL) - At least three soldiers were killed and eight others wounded in heavy fighting between Puntland and Somaliland forces in the Buhudle district on Tuesday.
The Commander of the 135th Brigade of the Somaliland Forces in the Buhoodle district, Major General Abdillahi Dhagaweyne, said that Puntland forces had attacked Somaliland forces securing the security.
"The Puntland forces launched a two-pronged attack, with some attacking police forces and others attacking Darawish forces," Major Dhagaweyne explained.
Major General Dhagaweyne also stated that Somaliland forces captured military vehicles and one Somaliland soldier was wounded during the fighting, but HOL has not independently confirmed his claims.
The forces of Somaliland and Puntland have previously cooperated in the Buhoodle district, and major fighting has not broken out in the Sool region of Buhoodle.
In November, Puntland's Commander of Darawish forces, Abshir Abdi Jama, accused Somaliland's breakaway government of sponsoring terror and criminal groups in Puntland and southern Somalia. Still, Somaliland military commander Nuh Ismail Tani dismissed comments, saying Somaliland seeks peaceful relations with its neighbours.
Tani added that his government did not want a conflict with Puntland but was prepared to defend itself from attack.