Garoowe, Puntland — Further details have emerged regarding an armed confrontation between forces belonging to Puntland security units in Garoowe, the capital of Nugaal region.

According to reports, the incident took place at the eastern checkpoint of Garoowe, where members of Puntland’s Police Rapid Response Unit exchanged fire with armed personnel travelling in three technical vehicles. The armed group was reportedly linked to politician Mohamud Mashruuc and had arrived from the Bari region.

The exchange of gunfire reportedly left at least three members of Mohamud Mashruuc’s forces injured. The group later withdrew from the area and was said to have passed beyond the village of Sin-ujiif in Nugaal region.

Mohamud Mashruuc is described as one of the armed opposition politicians in Puntland and is believed to have links with the Federal Government of Somalia.

The incident comes as Puntland authorities deployed Police Rapid Response Unit forces to the eastern checkpoint of Garoowe earlier this morning. Puntland had also previously stationed additional troops at the southern and northern checkpoints of the city.