Fresh clashes have erupted in Somalia’s Puntland region, deepening tensions between rival security forces and adding to an increasingly volatile security situation in the northeastern state.
The latest fighting reportedly occurred in Hafun, where forces from the Puntland Security Force (PSF), aligned with Somalia’s Police Chief General Asad Osman, clashed with Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) units loyal to Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni.
Separately, gunfire was reported at a hotel in Qardho following earlier violence around Bosaso, raising further concerns over the widening security tensions.
The developments come amid a growing dispute over the future of the PSF and its relationship with the federal government in Mogadishu. Puntland authorities announced on Tuesday morning that they had seized military vehicles belonging to the unit and detained several personnel, including a convoy commander.
The dispute is reportedly linked to efforts by the Federal Government of Somalia to integrate the force into the national army, a move that has faced resistance from Puntland authorities.
The escalating tensions have exposed wider political and security disagreements between Puntland and the federal government, with the status and command structure of regional security forces emerging as a particularly sensitive issue.
The latest clashes and reported arrests are likely to intensify concerns about the potential for further confrontation between forces aligned with the federal government and those loyal to the Puntland administration. Authorities have yet to provide a comprehensive account of the latest fighting or confirm the extent of casualties.
Mustaqbal
