Leaders defiant as fighting continues in Tukaraq

Leaders in Puntland and Somaliland have traded barbs over the ongoing deadly clash in the border area of Tukaraq.

Somaliland President Muse Bihi said Tuesday his forces had prevailed in the clash adding they also seized military equipment from Puntland side.

“Our forces have secured the victory in all directions they attacked us from,” Bihi told the media. “We have seized their weapons and defeated them.”

Forces from the two sides clashed last year forcing residents to flee and have since stayed in the area until another round of fighting last week.

Puntland information minister Abdi Qarjab said Puntland forces had managed to push Somaliland forces back. “Our forces launched an offensive and they have been able to drive the Somaliland forces back.”