Fighting broke out in eastern Somaliland on Monday morning between forces from the region, which declared its independence in 1991, and fighters opposed to its government, Somaliland’s interior minister said. The battle was reported a month after about 20 people were killed in protests over control of disputed areas.
Somaliland has not gained widespread international recognition for its independence and has seen opposition to its claims over land on its eastern border with Puntland, one of Somalia’s semi-autonomous regions.
Mohamed Farah, a doctor at Laascaanood Hospital in the administrative capital of the Sool region, said at least 34 people were killed and 40 injured in Monday’s fighting. Farah said he had seen the bodies brought to the hospital.
A second doctor at the hospital confirmed the death toll and said the facility had been targeted with mortar shells.
Somaliland authorities could not immediately be reached for comment on the death toll.The group said it represented the interests of people in the regions of Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn (SSC).
"We have decided that the Federal Republic of Somalia will administer the (SSC) regions until federalization of Somali territory is completed," the committee said.
Ahmed Elmi Osman Karaash, vice president of the neighbouring semi-autonomous region of Puntland said his region supported the committee's resolutions. Puntland has also claimed the town for itself in the past.