Gunmen loyal to former Puntland President Farole attack & loot presidential palace

Mogadishu (Harar24) – Gunmen loyal to the former president of the semi-autonomous state of Puntland are believed to have been involved in robberies & looting inside the presidential palace yesterday.

The gunmen who looted the building in the city of Garowe mainly made their way with large amounts of ammunitions and arms, including much heavy weaponry as indicated by many sources. The former president Abdirahman Farole despite losing the elections on Wednesday appears to still have a band of gunmen loyal to him, who previously on the day of the election attacked the house of the current president Abdiweli Gaas.

According to eyewitnesses the events also led to a firefight that ensued between the gunmen and the presidential guards. Sources further indicated that were dead and injured on both opposing sides.

Eyewitnesses further added that the chaotic scene continued until armed personnel from the security services arrived at the scene; however the attackers had by then already made their escape with the plunder.

According to a local reporter who spoke with Harar24 there’s fear of mayhem and that such events may reoccur. He further added that top Puntland officials who were close to Farole fear that they’ll lose their positions.

On Wednesday Puntland elected Abdiweli Gaas their new president, he is now faced with improving the state and security of Puntland, which has recently been plagued by explosions and armed attacks.