[2][3] The town is situated 86km west of Garowe, the capital of Puntland, a federal member state in northern Somalia.

Somaliland had earlier captured Tukaraq from Khaatumo State forces in 2012, who subsequently fled to Ethiopia.

Heavy clashes ensued between Somaliland and the defending Puntland forces, with its defensive positions being overran and the town captured.

[10] A second and much deadlier round of clashes between both sides took place in mid-May in the holy month of Ramadan when Puntland launched a multi-front offensive in an attempt to recapture the town.

However, Somaliland lost its control over Tukaraq in 2023 over the pro-statehood mass demonstrations surrounding the Las Anod conflict.