Factions of the Somali militant group al-Shabaab on Sunday clashed in Puntland state, in their continual search for territorial supremacy.
Officials said the clashes in the Bari region in eastern Somalia between fighters allied to the al-Qaeda terror group and those affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) began on Saturday night and continued to early Sunday.
The confrontations occurred at wadi (dry river beds) known as Dadamale and Qura’da in a location known as Ja’ayl in the Bari region in the Puntland State of Somalia, more than 1500km northeast of Mogadishu.
Both al-Shabaab and IS operate in the wider sub-region known as Balli Dhidin with Qandala district in the Bari region, particularly between Qandala and Bosaso, the main port town and commercial capital of Puntland.
The areas where the bulk of the confrontation had taken place are characterised by dry river beds, torrents with water streams and mountainous territories where the militants of both extremist groups have coexisted.
Qandala District Commissioner Ahmed Yusuf confirmed the clashes to the media.
“The two extremist groups have coexisted in the area, but it seems they are fighting for territorial control,” said Mr Yusuf, referring to reports received from dwellers of the mountainous areas who noticed the fighting.
The locals told the media that the overnight battle was so intense it likely caused deaths and injuries.
Loyalists of Sheikh Abdulkadir Mumin split from al-Shabaab in 2015, declaring loyalty to IS, then led by Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi.
Since then, the groups clashed but separately challenged the Puntland administration and any presence of Somali National Army troops.
Mr Yusuf added, “The situation appears tense, but the area’s mountainous nature limits the flow of information.”
