Bossaso (SD) – Puntland Security Forces have withdrawn in protest from some of the frontline positions facing Al-Shabaab militants.

The protest was sparked by the dismissal of their Commander by President Deni and the appointment of a new Puntland Security Forces commander.

Puntland Security and Intelligence Service Director Mohamud Osman Abdullahi (Diyano) rejected Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni’s decision to fire him.

A contingent of Puntland Darawish forces equipped with armored vehicles arrived at Sugurre base tonight after being vacated by the Puntland Security Forces.

The troops, mostly from Mudug region, have reportedly took up positions areas where the Puntland Security Forces has withdrawn.

In the Sugurre area of the Golis Mountains, the Puntland Security Forces has a major base where they planned attacks against Al-Shabaab.