Two Somaliland coastguards die in clash with Djiboutian coast guard

Somaliland coastguards and Djiboutian Patrol boats have clashed, leaving two Somaliland coastguards dead, local Somaliland officials.

The clash reportedly happened as the coast guards tried to prevent boats from fishing illegally off Djiboutian coast.

Unidentified fishing boats were in waters off the Djiboutian waters and fled to Somalia’s water after Djiboutian patrol boats tried to intercept them, according one of Djiboutian coastguards.

Sources in Somaliland say that the foreign fishing vessels have been operating in Somaliland’s territorial waters in recent weeks with permits issued by Somaliland government which sanctioned their fishing activities.

“I saw the Djiboutian Coast Guard inflatables approach some boats at full speed with lights flashing and artillery pointed at them,” said Somaliland coastguard officer who asked not to be named.

Meanwhile Djiboutian Coast Guard has categorically denied aiming any guns at Somaliland patrol boats, but it admitted that the hostilities arose.

The latest clash comes amid heightened tension between Somaliland and the semi-autonomous regional state of Puntland rose.