Elders protest killing of clansmen by Puntland police

10/20/2007 BBC MONITORING INTERNATIONAL REPORTS

Text of report by Somali independent Radio Gaalkacyo on 20 October

Traditional elders of the Warsengeli clan in Boosaaso have condemned local police for attacking their house and killing several persons.

The traditional elders accused Puntland police of attacking one of their houses without proper investigations and killing two persons and wounding five others.

They also released a press release on what they called "apparent aggression" and condemned how Puntland police managed the situation. They added that the police rejected attempts by elders to sort out the dispute peacefully.

Puntland police commander has refuted the allegations saying the situation reached a gun point after the men refused to surrender and come out of the house.

At least two persons died and seven others were wounded including two police officers after Puntland police attacked a house in Boosaaso, Puntland's main commercial town, after they were suspected to have links with Islamic courts militia and the Asmara-based Somali opposition.

Meanwhile, this incident comes following fierce fighting between Puntland and Somaliland troops in the disputed Sool Region and the government says it relates to political instabilities in Puntland region.

Meanwhile, local police in Boosaaso have launched an operation to stabilize the city and the people are vigilant.

Source: Radio Gaalkacyo,

BBC Monitoring