According to Elder Abdilahi Gaab, a reliable source, a heavily armed unit belonging to the Puntland presidential contingent defected to the Republic of Somaliland. The defectors, the source says, are all from the Security detail assigned to Puntland Vice president Abdihakin Haji Abdulahi Omar Amey.
VP Amey unprotectedVP Amey is from Buhodle in Sool region of Somaliland but owes political allegiance to Puntland an administrative region of Somalia that lays claim to areas under the territorial jurisdiction of Somaliland.
Though neither the authorities in Hargeisa Somaliland nor those in Garowe Puntland have made comments on the defection reports indicate that a heavily armed platoon size military unit from Puntland is in Buhodle town where citizens gave them a warm reception.
Since politician Ahmed Habsade escaped from Somaliland after he was fired from his public works ministry post and joined Puntland, tensions between President Abdiweli Gas and VP Amey have been on the rise.
Both Habsade and Amey are from the Same Dulbahante clan that predominates in Sool region which is claimed by Puntland.
Though not yet clear as per what prompted the massive defection that has left VP Amey without a proper security, members of the Puntland armed forces have been on regular pay induced strikes since Abdiweli ascended to the presidential mansion in Garowe.
Abdiweli Gas and Habsade in Garowe
Source: Somalilandsun
