Somalia: 'We Are Not Involved in Puntland Clashes', Says Al-Shabaab

Mogadishu - Sheik Ali Mohamud Raghe better known as (Sheik Ali Dere), the spokesman of Harakat Al-shabab Mujahideen held press conference for the journalists in Mogadishu and denied involvement in fighting that continued in Puntland recently.

Mohamed Sa'id Atam, a cleric based in out of Bosaso town of Bari region of Puntland leading more fighters had recently fought with the security forces of the semi-autonomous region of Puntland that caused many casualties of deaths and injuries.

The spokesman of Harakat Al-shabab Mujhideen said that those who are fighting in Puntland were Muslim people against the administration of Punland denying that they had involved the fighting or had relations with the leaders of the fighting.

Sheik Ali Dhere warned journalists to connect the clashes at Galgala and Karin villages of Puntland to Al-shabab organization pointing out that journalists were required to do their works as intended.

"As you know, the people fighting there are people who refused the problems against them. So if seen people opposing intimidations and some thing against the Shari law, does not mean they are Al-shabab," said Sheik Ali Mohamud Raghe.

The statement of Al-shabab comes as there had been fighting between the armed forces led by Mohamed Atam and the security forces of Puntland administration in parts of Bari region in north Somalia.

Original date published: 29 July 2010

Source Url: http://allafrica.com/stories/201007300902.html?viewall=1

Posted By: News Poster
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