Clashes reported in Garowe

At least two houses were partially destroyed when two opposing militias were involved in an exchange of gunfire in Garowe, the capital of the self-declared autonomous region of Puntland, northeastern Somalia, a local journalist told IRIN on Tuesday.

The fighting, which broke out on Monday, appears to have started after a militia loyal to the Garowe elders opened fire on forces of Colonel Abdullahi Yusuf, the former leader of Puntland, the journalist said.

Later in the day, the two sides fired at each others' positions. "One round appeared to be heavy weapons", which destroyed the houses, the journalist said. There were no reports of fatalities, he said. The situation remained tense throughout the day, but there was no more shooting.

Meanwhile, traditional elders from the Garowe area, who have been meeting since last week to resolve the political impasse in the town, are still continuing with their discussions, the journalist told IRIN.

On 21 November 2001, forces loyal to Abdullahi Yusuf attacked and captured Garowe from those of the recently elected Puntland president, Jama Ali Jama. At least 12 people were killed in the fighting, with many more wounded, local sources told IRIN at the time. The fighting also displaced many people, who fled the town in fear of renewed violence. Most of the displaced had now returned in response to appeals by elders, the sources said.