Puntland detains al-Qaida official

The authorities of Puntland, which declared itself unilaterally independent in northwest of Somalia, announced the detention of one official in al-Qaida organization in the capital Hergeisa.

The minister of interior in Puntland, Isamel Aden, said that the police detained an internationally renowned official in al-Qaida and another one during fire exchange in the capital on Thursday.

The minister added that three security men were injured in the attack with the group. The police also seized a large amount of weapons and telecommunications means.

The official said that "they came to kill and injure the leaders of Puntland and the foreigners working here."