Pictures: Civilians flee as conflict erupts again overnight in Bossaso, Puntland

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Most of the population is still displaced from Bossaso, the capital of Bari region, where Puntland forces and supporters of the ousted Puntland Security Forces (PSF) director have been fighting for the third day in a row.

Displaced people are seen in and around Bossaso, in vehicles while those who are without cars on foot, to avoid being harmed in the fighting.

A ceasefire agreed upon by both Puntland and PSF failed yesterday afternoon, with heavy fighting reported in Bossaso late last night.

Displaced people are expressing concern that the fighting will intensify, and there have already been large numbers of people displaced from Bossaso.

Meanwhile, a statement from the Puntland President’s Office reiterated the ongoing fighting in Bossaso between the administration’s forces and the PSF.

Puntland State House said in a statement that the fired PSF director was inciting violence in Bossaso and firing mortars into the city.

Puntland also reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law.

“The Puntland government in Somalia has always been committed to upholding the rule of law. The Puntland government declares that the former PSF director is inciting violence in Bossaso, indiscriminately shelling the city with PSF assets that were expected to be handed over, ”said a statement from the Puntland presidency.

In a statement, the Puntland presidency also said it wanted a peaceful end to the crisis over the transfer of the PSF director.

Finally, Puntland reiterated its commitment to ongoing peace efforts and to take steps to facilitate them.

“In order to encourage a peaceful solution to the PSF transfer of responsibilities and assets, the Puntland Government reiterates its commitment to a peaceful end to the situation in Bossaso, and the Government will take steps to facilitate ongoing efforts,” Reiterated a statement from the top leadership of the Puntland administration.

The statement came after the PSF said in a statement that its forces had been attacked, were defending themselves, and was deeply saddened by the loss of civilians and their displacement, and blamed Puntland State house.