Puntland’s military forces conducted an operation against a camp held by federal government troops in northern Galkayo, marking the latest escalation in tensions between the semi-autonomous regional state and Somalia’s central administration. Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni stated at a news conference in Garowe that the assault was a deliberate security measure intended to send a warning to those operating against Puntland’s interests. He asserted that the facility had been used for transporting weapons, military equipment, and personnel aimed at destabilizing the region.
The operation commenced on Wednesday morning with heavily armed Puntland forces and military vehicles targeting the installation situated near Galkayo’s airport. The camp had been under the control of troops who previously aligned with Puntland authorities but whose commanders recently shifted their allegiance to Mogadishu. Puntland security officials reported successfully completing the operation and apprehending over 100 individuals. They also stated that various military assets were secured, including firearms, ammunition, uniforms, and equipment.
Eyewitness accounts from Galkayo residents indicated that the engagement involved sustained mortar fire, with some rounds striking residential neighborhoods, and lasted more than an hour. Multiple casualties were reported, though precise numbers remained unclear at the time of reporting. According to resident testimonies, Puntland forces ultimately secured control of the camp while opposing forces withdrew to southern Galkayo. Neither the federal government nor the rival force had issued formal responses to Puntland’s statements.
This incident reflects broader regional fragmentation within Somalia, where governance disputes have created recurring friction. President Deni has emerged as a prominent critic of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s efforts to expand central authority. Prior violent incidents included a federal operation in March against a rival regional leader and combat between federal forces and Jubaland in August last year that resulted in military casualties. Constitutional changes pursued by President Mohamud before scheduled elections have drawn opposition from regional leaders and political rivals who view them as efforts to consolidate presidential power.
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