Puntland forces seize government-held camp in Somalia’s Galkayo
Puntland forces in Somalia seized a military camp in Galkayo held by federal government-aligned troops following armed clashes. Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni characterized the operation as a planned security measure against federal attempts to undermine regional stability, though casualties and exact details remain unclear.
Armed forces from Somalia's semi-autonomous Puntland state launched an assault on a military installation near Galkayo airport, marking the latest escalation in tensions between regional authorities and the federal government in Mogadishu. The operation, which occurred on Wednesday morning, involved heavily armed Puntland troops supported by military vehicles attacking a camp previously held by soldiers who had recently switched allegiance from Puntland to the central government.
Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni justified the action at a news conference in Garowe, describing it as a deliberate security operation intended to send a warning to those opposing Puntland's interests. He alleged that the federal government had been using the camp to transport weapons, military equipment, and personnel with the goal of destabilizing the region. Deni stated that his administration had previously communicated concerns about decisions made by Somalia's president but provided no further specifics.
According to Puntland police, the operation resulted in the arrest of over 100 individuals and the seizure of weapons, vehicles, military equipment, firearms, ammunition, uniforms, and other supplies. Residents of Galkayo reported hearing multiple mortar rounds during the engagement, with some projectiles striking civilian areas. The fighting lasted more than an hour before federal-aligned forces withdrew to southern Galkayo after being overcome by Puntland troops.
Casualties were reported by residents but specific numbers were not disclosed. Neither the federal government nor commanders of the opposing force had issued formal responses to Puntland's account of events. This incident reflects broader instability in Somalia, where the federal government has previously engaged in military confrontations with regional leaders, including actions against South West State in March and clashes with Jubaland forces in August of the previous year. Underlying tensions stem partly from constitutional changes initiated by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in March, which opposition figures view as a consolidation of power ahead of scheduled elections.
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