Somalia’s Puntland orders federal forces in Bosaso to surrender after seizing positions

MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Authorities in Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region have ordered federal government-aligned security forces in the commercial port city of Bosaso to surrender immediately, days after regional forces seized their positions in fighting that has further escalated tensions between Puntland and Mogadishu, Shabelle TV reported on Wednesday.

The ultimatum follows an operation in Laag area outside Bosaso, where Puntland officials said regional forces overran positions held by Puntland Security Force (PSF) units aligned with Somalia’s federal government after intense clashes.

Regional authorities said the operation resulted in the capture of 30 PSF personnel and the seizure of 13 gun-mounted technical military vehicles. Officials also said several of the captured fighters sustained injuries during the fighting. The claims have not been independently verified.

Puntland warned that any remaining federal-aligned forces operating outside the authority of the regional administration must surrender or face similar military action.

Regional officials reiterated that no armed force outside Puntland’s command structure would be permitted to operate within the region, describing the latest measures as part of efforts to consolidate the administration’s control over security.

The confrontation marks the latest escalation in a widening dispute between Puntland and Somalia’s federal government over military authority, constitutional powers and the deployment of security forces.

In recent weeks, Puntland has imposed a series of restrictions targeting federal institutions and security personnel. The regional administration has prohibited federal forces from moving between major towns, established heavily guarded checkpoints around key urban centres to enforce the directive, and barred the federal government from recruiting security personnel inside Puntland.

The administration has also said federal officials originating from Puntland must publicly resign from their positions before entering the region, further deepening the political rift with Mogadishu.

The dispute has extended to senior military appointments. Puntland recently prevented General Jimale Takar, who was appointed by the federal government to command military operations in Somalia’s northern sectors, from entering the region after consultations in Mogadishu. Puntland authorities said he would only be allowed entry if he relinquished his federal appointment.

Bosaso, Puntland’s principal commercial port and one of Somalia’s most strategically important economic hubs, has become an increasingly prominent flashpoint in the standoff as both sides seek to assert authority over security in the region.

The latest developments underscore the deepening divide between Puntland and Somalia’s federal government, raising fresh questions about security coordination and governance as political and military tensions continue to intensify.

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