BOSSASO, Somalia Oct 18, 2007 – Police authorities in Somalia's Puntland regional autonomy surrounded a house full of armed men in the Gulf of Aden port city of Bossaso on Thursday.

The men inside the house, who have refused to surrender, opened fire on police and a gunfight ensued, witnesses told Garowe Online.

At least 5 people, including two police officers, have been wounded so far.

A police spokesman said the police were still surrounding the house during the night,   but would not give further details.

Conflicting reports are emerging regarding this story.

Some reports said Puntland Intelligence Service (PIS) officers hunting down terror-linked suspects had ordered the attack on the house. The men inside the house are believed to be linked to suspects targeted by U.S. warplanes last June in the Puntland town of Bargal.

Another report said the World Food Program representative in Bossaso, who was kidnapped earlier Thursday, is believed to be inside the house and is being held hostage by the armed men.

Source: Garowe Online