Military forces from Puntland, Somalia’s semi-autonomous northeastern region, have captured a camp in Galkayo that was under the control of federal government troops. The assault occurred Wednesday morning near the airport in the city’s northern area, resulting in what Puntland officials characterized as a successful planned operation. The takeover followed heavy fighting that lasted over an hour, during which Puntland’s armed contingents, equipped with military vehicles, overwhelmed troops who had recently switched their loyalty to the federal government in Mogadishu.
Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni announced the operation at a press conference in the regional capital, Garowe, claiming it was necessary to protect regional security and stability. He asserted that federal authorities had been using the facility to transport weapons, military personnel, and equipment intended to destabilize Puntland. According to police statements, the operation resulted in over 100 arrests and the confiscation of firearms, ammunition, vehicles, and various military supplies.
Residents reported hearing multiple mortar rounds during the clash, with some projectiles striking civilian neighborhoods. While casualties were confirmed, precise numbers remained unavailable. Federal-aligned forces retreated to southern Galkayo after being outmatched, according to local accounts. The incident represents the latest escalation in ongoing tensions between Puntland’s leadership and Somalia’s central government, rooted partly in constitutional reforms that regional leaders view as an attempt to consolidate power.
Originally reported by Aljazeera →
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