Somalia: Four killed in violence in Puntland

 
Abdullahi Yusuf's fighters engaged in clashes in Qayadsame with supporters of Jama Ali Jama over power.

 
MOGADISHU - At least four people were killed and nine wounded Friday when militia loyal to Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed, one of two men claiming to be president in northeastern Somalia's autonomous state of Puntland, clashed with those of his rival, witnesses said.

Abdullahi Yusuf's fighters were engaged in clashes in the village of Qayadsame with supporters of Jama Ali Jama, who also claims to be president of the unrecognised state, according to witnesses contacted by field radio.

The dead included three militiamen and a civilian and among the wounded was Colonel Areys, one of Abdullahi Yusuf commanders.

Abdullahi Yusuf's forces arrived in Qayadsame from the port city of Bossaso, which they seized from Jama Ali on May 8. Qayadsame is situated 85 kilometres (50 miles) southwest of Bossaso.

Bossaso was previously controlled by supporters of Ali Jama, who was elected by a congress of clan elders in November to replace Abdullahi Yusuf as president. Abdullahi Yusuf, however, refused to quit.

Abdullahi Yusuf emerged as president when the northeastern Somali region was founded as an "autonomous state" in August 1998.

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