Somalia: 87 killed as Puntland warns Somaliland 'not to attack civilians'

9 Feb 9, 2011 - 3:18:52 AM

A Cabinet minister in Somalia's Puntland government has warned the separatist region of Somaliland 'not to attack civilians' after heavy fighting Monday killed at least 87 people, Radio Garowe reports.
A Puntland delegation led by Fisheries Minister Mohamed Farah Aden told Radio Garowe on Wednesday that the delegation is in Buhodle town to assess the drought and the impact of Monday's fighting.
Somaliland troops fought against local clan militias in Kalshale village, which is located near Buhodle, part of Cayn region of Puntland.
Local sources reported that the fighting started between two local clans -- Habar Jelo sub-clan of Isaaq clan and Dhulbahante sub-clan of Harti clan.
But Somaliland troops intervened with full force. At least 65 people were killed on the Somaliland side while the local clans lost 22 men.
Somaliland President Ahmed Silanyo belongs to Habar Jelo sub-clan, which is directly involved in the fighting with Dhulbahante clan militia over control of territory.
Puntland's Fisheries Minister Aden warned Somaliland to "stop the aggression" and appealed for peaceful co-existence between Puntland and Somaliland.Read More