Tuesday October 10, 2023
Garowe (HOL) - Puntland's Vice President has accused the Somaliland administration of deploying troops to Erigabo, the capital and largest city of the Sanaag region, following a clash between Somaliland police and alleged drug dealers.
The confrontation occurred after Somaliland police arrested people suspected of involvement in drug trafficking. However, conflicting reports indicate that some detained men participated in the recent fighting in Las Anod town.
The Vice President of Puntland, Ahmed Ilmi Osman Karaash, has called on Somaliland to withdraw its troops from the southern part of Erigabo. He stated, "We urge the authorities to promptly relocate the troops from the town to the Oog area, or they will take responsibility for this matter."Somaliland authorities have not responded to the accusations made by Puntland.
Since the conflict started in Las Anod town last February, there have been multiple clashes in Erigabo, although local elders have been able to facilitate resolution efforts.