MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – At least 11 people were killed on Monday in the coastal town of Bosaso after an authorized landing of a flight carrying Somalia’s deputy speaker of parliament Sa’diya Samatar triggered heavy fighting between units within regional security forces.
Regional ministers of Security and Interior told a press conference that the flight carrying humanitarian aid and officials had not sought permission before landing and had been safely returned to Mogadishu.
Members of regional counter-terrorism force attempted to gain illegal access to the airport to escort the officials and help unload the humanitarian aid shipment sparking gun battle with troops guarding the airport, they added.
Puntland authorities forced the plane carrying deputy speaker of Somali parliament to return to Mogadishu without allowing her to disembark or unload the aid shipment meant for regional residents affected by drought.
Caasimada Online news website reports that clashes which broke out as a result of the decision at a security checkpoint leading to the airport left at least 11 dead, among them soldiers with many more wounded.
The move has come weeks after Puntland authorities said they would suspend cooperation with the federal government after being irked by the appointment of Hamza Abdi Barre, who comes from Jubaland State, as Prime Minister. read more
Former Somali Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid, who comes from the northeastern region, denounced Puntland’s decision to force the return of flight carrying federal officials.
“Was Puntland trying to act as an independent country when they denied the acting speaker of the SFP [Somali Federal Parliament] to extend much needed relief aid to the city of Bosaso?,” he tweeted. “Actions like this that make more urgent than ever to finalize the Federal Constitution in a politically inclusive manner.”
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