Bartamaha (Bosaso):- Fresh clashes between security forces and fighters linked to the al-Shabab group have left several soldiers and fighters dead in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland.

The violence erupted early on Friday in the mountainous region of Galagala between fighters loyal to local militant leader, Sheikh Mohamed Said Atom, and Puntland government forces, a Press TV correspondent reported.

“The exchange of fire between the militant fighters and the army erupted after some 70 fighters attacked a military base,” said a Puntland official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Two Puntland soldiers and seven fighters were killed in the clash and six other soldiers were injured, he added.

Puntland which declared itself as an independent state in 1998, enjoys relative peace compared to southern and central Somalia.

Somalia has been embroiled in civil war for years as it has not had a functioning national government since the overthrow of the country’s dictator, Mohamed Siad Barre, in 1991.

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Source:-Press TV.

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