BOSASO (Somaliguardian) – A ceasefire between troops loyal to Puntland President Saeed Deni and US-trained elite counter-terrorism forces held into the first day on Friday in Bosaso, days after the commercial port city had seen the worst outbreak of fighting in more than a decade.
Authorities and Puntland Security Forces (PSF) traded accusations on Thursday, blaming each other for breaking a ceasefire agreed on Wednesday after fighting again broke out overnight, in what residents say was the most vicious confrontation in the three-day gun battle.
Residents have begun returning to their homes after fleeing to areas outside the coastal city and businesses have normally reopened as the city seems reeling from the latest hostilities.
Regional elders and politicians are engaged in efforts to mediate an end to the tensions that had been triggered by regional leader’s dismissal of PSF commander, who later defied orders to hand over responsibilities.
The fighting has left more than 20 people dead and 70 others wounded. Among them were 5 members of a single whose home had been struck by a mortar shell. Regional authorities alleged that PSF members had shelled residential areas.
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