The authorities of Somalia’s semi-autonomous state of Puntland on Friday deployed 1200 of its security forces to the restive Ufeyn district of Bari region after tensions between two Majeerten sub-clans escalated following Thursday’s attack on three vehicles and Tuesday's attack on an Africa Oil convoy by locals upset they are not being consulted over the area's natural resources.
Spearheaded by Col. Khalif Isse Mudan, the newly appointed security minister of Puntland, the soldiers have established new military bases inside and outside Ufeyn district, especially in Kob-Dhahad village where the deadly attack took place on Thursday.
The soldiers are attempting to prevent any new eruptions of fighting between the Ali Jibrahil and Ali Saleban clans who have been fighting over land possession for the last three months. Fighters from both sides are reported to be collecting weapons as they prepare to fight one another.
Mohamud Farah Beldaje, the mayor of Bosaso city who was among high level Puntland delegation in Ufeyn, told Somalia Report that the area is currently under the control of Puntland security forces. The troops are stationed between the road that links areas where these clans live. Elders from the area have warmly welcomed Puntland’s intervention.
“We moved 1200 of our security forces from Bosaso to the area in order to curb the situation and punish anyone who we see could instigate insecurity,” said the mayor. “The government and traditional elders are here to stop hostilities and the government will take over areas where fighting has been taking place."
Meanwhile, reports from the area indicate that the security forces have arrested several people including figures from Ufeyn’s security administration who are suspected to have links with those responsible for Thursday’s attack which left 12 people dead. They are being held in Bosaso central police station. However, Beldaje has denied that any arrest has been made.
People who were injured in Thursday’s attacks have been admitted to Bosaso General Hospital with many family members and relatives visiting them.
Since May, Ali Saleban and Ali Jibrahil have killed 28 people from each side, including six well-known businessmen from both sides in Bosaso, while the rest were killed in Kob-Dhehad village, a few kilometers away from Ufeyn district.
The Puntland administration is reportedly fed up with the clan rivalry in Ufeyn and as a result has arrested five traditional elders from both feuding clans for instigating hostilities.
Also arrested, but for other reason, were the Ufeyn mayor and local security officers in connection with Tuesday's attack on the oil exploration convoy.
