Northeastern state of Somalia President Abdiwali Mohamed Ali Gaas unveiled Somaliland’s financial support for the Al-Qaida affiliated Al-shabab fighters in Gal-gala Mountains near Puntland’s port city of Bossaso.
Speaking at public conference said that Somaliland financially supports Al-shabab fighters who carry out deadly hit -and-run attacks in Gal-gala area following Somaliland President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud Silanyo’s visit to Laas qorey which created military tensionds around border territories of the two administrations.
President Gaas stated that his government is aware of Somaliland’s role in Al-shabab fighters maneuvering at Gal-gala adding his government will disclose it to the world what he called “Somaliland’s support for the Al-Qaida linked Militants, Al-shabab”.
Al-shabab’s influx in Gal-gala Mountains in Puntland region appeared as the African Union troops led by Somalia national army mercilessly battled the militants in Soutern and central Somalia thus brought about the control of more than seven strategic towns to Somali Federal government supported by international community.
The defeated but still lingering Al-Qaida insurgents crossed into Puntland regions through Somaliland having the go-ahead of Somaliland authorities to start distracting Puntland security agencies huge presence in the bordering areas with Somaliland motivating Puntland deposit their attention on Galgala Mountains security threat of Al-shabab brainwashed redicals, alleges Puntland’s head.
Puntland and Somalind had been clashing since 2002 over territory disputes though the two administrations recently chosen to send representatives overseas on behalf of the two authorities to talk on the disputed areas with no physical attack.
Al-shabab branch in Gal-gala Mountains suspected of preparing the assassinations targeting senior government officials and clan elders in Puntland also instigate attacks on Puntland forces in Gal-gala area.
On Sunday, Somaliland deployed military forces with heavy armored vehicles in Armale area about 75 Km Baran, Sanaag’s centre.
Puntland also increased a military forces presence in Laas qorey with the motive of restricting any further visits of a delegation led by Somaliland President silaanyo cross into Puntland territories.
Puntland Information minister Abdiwali Indha Guran said Somiland’s martial movement can be grasped as Land seize and provocation which Puntland will aggressively react to.
As a response, Somaliland’s defense minister indicts Puntland to start military forces exercise in the bordering territories of the two administrations and they will also respond to military exercise.
On the other hand, United Nations envoy to Somalia Nicholas Kay showed a concern on political tensions between Puntland and Somalind.
“To the north, I am also concerned by the military tensions between Puntland and Somaliland in the Sool and Sanaag regions. I call for maximum caution and avoidance of confrontation.” He said.
Nickolas Kay urged both parties to restrain opposing forces while emphasizing the need of security restoration in Somalia but not flipside into another decade of civil war.
Puntland shows concern on the increasing terrorist threats in the region while putting the security agencies on alert.
Source: http://www.indepthafrica.com
