Somalia: Forces and Islamic State Fighters Directly Clash for First Time

Somali regional forces in Puntland have clashed with pro-Islamic State militants in the country's northeast in the first-ever military confrontation between security forces and pro-Islamic State fighters.

Local sources told VOA that today's fighting occurred near Bashashin village, just 50km west of Qandala after the regional troops were halted by landmines. Governor of Puntland's Bari region Yusuf Mohamed Dhedo who is leading the offensive against Qandala confirmed the fighting to VOA Somali in an exclusive interview via satellite phone.

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