Heavy fighting between Somaliland troops and a tribal militia broke out early early Sunday morning in the village of Sool-Joogto in Buhodle region and in the outskirt of Tukaraq village where Somaliland forces are stationed.

The battle erupted after tribal militia loyal to Somalia’s former Prime Minister, Ali Khalif Galayr launched pre-dawn surprise assault on Somaliland military bases in the outskirts of Buhodle town and on the outskirt of Tukaraq Village.

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Tuareg separatist rebels in Mali say they have surrounded the historic town of Timbuktu after a rapid advance through the north of the country.

Eyewitnesses in the town told BBC they heard gunfire on the outskirts, believed to be the Malian army firing warning shots.

The rebels said on their website they meant to dislodge the Malian political and military presence in the town.

Two other important centres, Kidal and Gao, fell to them in recent days.

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