Galkao (Sunatimes) At least 30 have been killed and over forty others wounded following a deadly clash between Somalia’s semi-autonomous state of Puntland forces and local armed clan militias in northern Galkayo, Mudug region.

The clash which has erupted on Thursday after Puntland forces raided a stereo in the neighborhood of Garsoor, north of Galkayo where armed men were allegedly hiding has now spread to the areas of Hero Darawish, Isra’ and Hero Dayah all located north of the city.

The fighting has restarted early on Friday morning as heavy firefight and the crackling of machine gunfire were reportedly heard throughout the neighborhoods of Galkayo town.

There are reports of a number of civilian casualties as they were caught up in the fighting as well as combatants from both sides.

Locals are fleeing their homes as they run for they safety. The two warring side are reportedly receiving reinforcements from their bases outside the confrontations field.

Puntland claimed it is fighting Al-Shabaab terrorist group and vowed to purge them from the area.

By Rooble Dirir