...a region in northeastern Somalia, centered on Garowe in the Nugaal province. Its leaders declared the territory an autonomous state in 1998. Puntland and the equally autonomous Somaliland seem to have avoided the clan rivalries and warlordism that have typified the rest of Somalia, which puts both places high on the list for Islamic subversion...
said its forces fought against Al-Shabaab
... the Islamic version of the old Somali warlord...
fighters in Galgala mountains near Bossaso on Sunday.
The battle begun on Sunday morning after the Puntland forces launched raid on terrorist bases in the mountainous area, about 45 km southwest of Bosasso
...Puntland's major (maybe only) port, population about 250,000, most of them shady characters who hang around waterfront dives and carry knives and brass knuckles...
town which is the region's port hub.
Puntland security officer in Sugure area, Colonel Jama Sicid said the forces attempted to launch a security operation in the area but the faceless myrmidons fired mortars against the security forces. At least one myrmidon were confirmed dead as the officer said they have destroyed terrorist cells in the area.
There were no independent sources in the area to confirm the claim.
Meanwhile Al-Shabaab media wing reported the battle but did not give any details.
Puntland security forces have been fighting against Al-Shabaab militia in Galgala area since 2010 when the region's forces launched heavy assault against the terrorists. In 2011 Puntland president said his forces completely defeated Al-Shabaab in Galgala and his forces took over the area but since then the faceless myrmidons were still able to attack the security forces bases and the main towns.