Fighting Between Puntland and Somaliland Forces Erupts in Tukaraq Town

Fierce fighting between Puntland and Somaliland forces flared up on Thursday morning in Sool region, both sides confirmed.
Both factions from Puntland and Somaliland are reportedly engaging in artillery fire as the brawl is escalating. The sides have traded accusations of the attack.
In a statement, Puntland confirmed the clashes accusing authorities in Hargeisa of the conflict.
“We hereby inform Somali people and International Community that fighting reignited at 5:30am in Tukaraq town after Somaliland forces attacked bases of Puntland,” read statement by Puntland state.
Meanwhile, Somaliland Minister for Information, Abdirahman Abdullahi Guri-Barqwaqo who spoke to the region’s news agency blamed Puntland forces for the dawn attack on Tukaraq town saying Somaliland forces are in a defense position following the dawn raid by Puntland troops.
“At about six in the morning, Puntland forces attempted to encroach on our territory and attack Somaliland forces in Tukaraq town,” said Guri-Barwaqo.
It is unclear the casualties caused by the heavy clash between the warring sides at the border town as the fighting is still oncoming.
Somaliland and Puntland both claim the ownership of Sool and Sanaag regions basing their argues on the colonial border and clan ownership respectively.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in the 1990s.
Despite relative stability and commendable governance, the region has not yet been recognized by international community.