Somalia: One Dead As Puntland Security Forces Clash in Bosaso

What the report says

AllAfrica, carrying a Radio Dalsan report, said at least one Puntland Security Force soldier was killed on Sunday after fighting broke out with Puntland Dervish forces in the Madar-Jiif area, on the route between Laag and the port city of Bosaso. The report, citing security sources, said the exchange followed an attempt by PSF troops to pass a checkpoint leading toward the city, after which Dervish forces stopped the convoy and heavy weapons were used.

The incident adds to a continuing dispute over command of armed units in Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region. According to the report, Puntland authorities accuse the PSF of taking direction from the federal government in Mogadishu rather than from the regional administration in Garowe; the federal government had not publicly responded to that allegation. Neither Puntland nor federal authorities had issued an official statement by Monday evening, Radio Dalsan reported.

Puntland moved reinforcements toward Bosaso after the clash. The report said Police Commissioner Muumin Cabdi Shire left Garowe with a convoy of at least 18 armed vehicles, while additional deployments were made near Maqaska, a key route toward Bosaso Airport, and along Soddonka Road, a major city corridor. Residents described increased military movement as positions were strengthened.

Bosaso is Puntland’s main commercial port, so instability there could affect trade, transport and aid routes. Radio Dalsan also noted that the PSF was created as a counter-terrorism unit with international support and that its relationship with Puntland’s administration has worsened in recent years, including earlier armed disputes over command and strategic sites.