Somaliland Defense Forces clashed with militia men loyal to Puntland early on Sunday in Dixin district which is in Sool, a disputed region between Somaliland authority and Puntland provincial administration in Somalia.
Reports indicate that the fighting between the two sides started at Dihin which is in Sool region.
The two sides used heavy weapons during the skirmishes which reports indicate heavy casualties.
Militia men loyal to Puntland made a surprise raid to stations that Somaliland defense forces are stationed but met with resistance and easily overpowered by Somaliland national army.
It is reported that at least two battle wagons from militia men were burnt during the skirmishes.
Dixin inhabitants have thrown support behind Somaliland defense forces and were against the instability that militia men are intending to cause in a region which is enjoying relative peace and tranquility.
The militia men backing by Puntland are reported to be regrouping and dispatching soldiers in the battle area.
Such attacks are interpreted as was a premeditated aggression committed by militia men getting support from Puntland.
The situation remains tense and both sides were said to have amassed troops on either side of the village of Dihin.
Puntland leaders declared the region autonomous in 1998 with the aim of reconstituting Somalia as a federal republic.
Somaliland declared its independence from the rest of the country following the overthrow of the regime of Muhammad Siyad Barre in 1991. The region has remained relatively peaceful even as the rest of Somalia descended into anarchy and violence.
The two authorities have not spoken of the clashes that broke out between Somaliland and militia men loyal to Puntland.
