Fighting erupted in Bosaso Tuesday morning following a clash between forces allied to President Abdullahi Deni and a section of the Puntland Security Forces.

Sources in the coastal city said the forces allied to Deni fired at positions held by PSF forces loyal to sacked commandant Mohamed Diyano sparking a heavy exchange of fire between the two sides.

Sources said that the situation in the ground is now tense as more shots are being heard especially in Ridwan neighborhood which lies in the vicinity of the PSF camp.

Businesses and activities have come to a stand-still in Bossaso town as residents, fearing for their lives, have taken cover until security returns to normal.

The ongoing fighting has also escalated with the absence of the Puntland Leader who is currently out of the state.