Mogadishu — The semi-autonomous regional government of Puntland has stated it defended itself against the Islamic Courts attacks.

The news comes hours after Puntland President Gen. Adde Musa accompanied by large numbers of armed forces has arrived in Galkayo where a controversial Islamic court was announced recently.

Puntland information minister Abdirahman Bangah has alleged his government forces have recaptured villages it formerly administered that had fallen to Islamists in the latest fight in central Somalia, accusing the Union of Islamic Courts of attacking Puntland administered areas.

Shabelle reporter in Mudug province says there has been an orchestration of protest against the Islamic Courts in Putland's main city of Garowe.