Bossaso battle death count continues to rise

The majority of the city population fled from the houses to safer locations outside with businesses and operations at the seaport, the nerve hub of Puntland's economy remained shut. 

News Keydmedia Online
23 December 2021

BOSSASO, Somalia - Located on the Gulf o Aden, Bossaso, the commercial capital of Puntland has been the scene of continued clashes between regional forces and PSF troops.

The majority of the city population fled from the houses to safer locations outside with businesses and services at the seaport, the nerve hub of Puntland's economy remained shut. 

Last night at around 12:00 a.m. local time, heavy fighting broke out between Puntland forces and the PSF forces loyal to Mohamud Osman Diyano, and stopped spontaneously at 7 am.

The sound of artillery shells and gunfire could be heard throughout the city as the residents were asleep. At least 19 have been killed and nearly 80 wounded, according to medics. 

Some residents in Bossaso are facing the danger of the conflict as they were cut off from water and electricity. There have been mortar shelling on houses by both warring sides.

Puntland administration accused General Mohamud Osman Diyano of inciting violence in Bossaso to derail the peace efforts by local elders and religious leaders in the Bari region.

PSF denied the allegations from Deni's office, saying they were in defense as regional forces launch an assault on the security agency's headquarters in the city for the past three days.

The PSF statement said they were at their base and were defending themselves. It added that they are ready for talks and accept the ceasefire announced by the Puntland on Wednesday.

The skirmishes in Bossaso erupted on Tuesday after all doors for talks to end the gridlock over PSF's commanders' dismissal ended in vain. Deni is keen to enforce his decision by force.

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