US trained PSF forces clash with Deni allied forces as leadership wrangles persist

GOOBJOOG NEWS|BOSASO: The over month-long tensions in Bosaso spilt over into a deadly fight between a faction of the Puntland Security Forces and forces under the command of President Abdullahi Deni.

The two sides clash in Ridwan neighbourhood located within the precincts of the PSF camp, sources said noting a heavy exchange of fire ensued.

The fighting happened as President Deni was away in Baidoa attending the third-anniversary celebration of President Abdiasis Lafta Gareen.

Deni sacked PSF commandant Mohamed Diyano late November but he declined to step down leading to tensions between the two sides. A proposal by elders from Diyano’s subclan to let the sacked commandant retain some weapons and the house he had been living in as PSF boss was rejected by Deni who said the property belonged to the state and not individuals.

The proposal was a counteroffer to Deni which acceded to Diyaano’s sacking.