Galkao (Sunatimes) Puntland has accused Al-Shabaab militant group of being behind the Thursday fight between its security forces and what the administration called it terrorist group fighters in Galkayo, Mudug region.

In a press statement, Puntland’s Assistant minister for internal security Abdi Jamal Mohamed Osman said the Thursday fighting erupted after their security forces conducting operations in aimed at bolstering security in pockets of the city raided a stereo in the neighborhood of Garsoor, north of Galkayo, where armed militia men were hiding.

He said they the militia men were getting support from Al-Shabaab terror group wrecking havoc inside Somalia.

Osman claimed that they killed several of the militant backed militia men and defeated them.

There were no statements from the militia who engaged in deadly clash with Puntland security officers in the area.

According to medical sources the Thursday clashes left at least 16 people dead and 25 others injured.

By Muhiima Ahmed