At least eight people have been killed after troops from the self-declared republic of Somaliland launched an attack on local militiamen in the Buhodle district, Press TV reports.

The conflict erupted on Thursday as Somaliland forces launched an attack against bases of militia fighters, who have recently formed the new regional state of Khatumo, on the outskirts of Sool-Joogto village in the Buhodle district.

Fierce skirmishes broke out in the aftermath of the assault and heavy weapons -- including artillery and machine guns -- were used in the fighting. The gun battle forced local residents to flee their homes.

A total of eight people were killed and several others wounded during the clashes.

Somaliland, situated in northwestern Somalia, unilaterally declared independence from the rest of Horn Africa country in 1991.

Somalia has not had a functioning government since 1991, when warlords overthrew former dictator Mohamed Siad Barre.

The Somali government has struggled for years to restore security but efforts have not yet yielded results in the African nation.

Source: Press TV

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