Puntland State of Somalia
Somalia: Puntland Forces Repel Attack by Militial in Taleh District
PRESS RELEASE 30 November 2013
On November 28, Puntland Vice President H.E. Abdisamad Ali Shire’s security escort in Taleh District of Sool Region repelled an attack by an armed militia loyal to Mr. Mohamed Yusuf Jama (Indhosheel), self-proclaimed politician and member of Somali Diaspora in Europe.
One soldier was killed and another soldier was seriously wounded during the armed confrontation after Mr. Indhosheel’s militia used anti-tank and other heavy weapons to attack the Puntland Vice President’s security escort. Seven members of the attacking militia were killed during the confrontation.
Earlier on November 27, Mr. Indhosheel and his militia arrived on the main road linking Garowe and Hargeisa, at Godd Qabobe village around 11km east of Tukaraq town, the temporary capital of Sool Region, a Customs Point and the Puntland defense line.
Puntland government forces chased away Mr. Indhosheel and his militia from the main road, which is a main artery for the flow of human and trade traffic between regions in Puntland and Somaliland. Mr. Indhosheel wanted to isolate Tukaraq from Puntland, disrupt the flow of traffic and create insecurity in the area.
Latest reports indicate that Mr. Indhosheel has escaped towards the Somali-Ethiopia border area.
During a number of occasions, Puntland Government has tolerated this militia’s provocative actions that threaten peace and security. Mr. Indhosheel and his militia – self-proclaimed “Khatumo” – are organized and funded by failed politicians and external actors aiming to destabilize Puntland ahead of January 2014 elections.
Since August 2013, the Puntland Vice President has been in Sool Region, particularly his native area of Taleh District, to promote peace and reconciliation and implement development programs.
Puntland Government appeals for peace and stability and calls on all legitimate parties to join the lawful political process in Puntland to advance the prospects of peace, justice and development.
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