Somalia’s Federal Government has reportedly ordered the return of armed troops flown from Garowe and Kismayo, who were said to be part of advance security arrangements for Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni and Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Ahmed Madobe).
According to multiple sources, aircraft carrying the armed personnel were instructed to turn back to their points of departure shortly before arrival. Images and videos circulating on social media earlier showed the troops departing from Garowe and Kismayo while heavily armed, with some wearing full combat gear.
Following the circulation of the footage, reports emerged that the Federal Government directed the forces to return to their respective regional capitals, though no official explanation has been issued regarding the decision.
The troops were reportedly deployed ahead of the planned visit by the two regional leaders, who had been invited to attend consultative talks between the Federal Government and opposition figures in Mogadishu.
Neither the Federal Government nor the administrations of Puntland and Jubbaland have issued formal statements addressing the incident. It also remains unclear how the development will affect the planned travel of Presidents Deni and Ahmed Madobe to the capital.
Mustaqbal
