Puntland state security forces have seized three trucks loaded with a large cache of weapons reportedly originating from Ethiopia, following heightened tensions and a brief clash along the Somalia-Ethiopia border. The trucks, carrying military supplies, were intercepted early Friday in the town of Bookh in Mudug region, as they attempted to enter Puntland state.
Local residents, who became aware of the convoy late Wednesday night, initially tried to capture the trucks, leading to an intense standoff. Eyewitnesses reported that the trucks were escorted by troops from Ethiopia’s Somali region, and tensions rose as local militia attempted to block their route.
Footage circulating on social media on Friday morning showed Puntland forces peacefully escorting two of the trucks after they were intercepted. The trucks, reportedly filled with ammunition and military vehicles, were seen crossing from Ethiopia into Somalia’s Mudug region. The situation escalated when local militia in Bookh, a district in Doollo province, made a failed attempt to seize the cargo, sparking fears of a potential clash.
The military convoy’s destination was believed to be Puntland state, and sources confirmed that Puntland deployed reinforcement troops to the area to secure the safe passage of the trucks. Local reports indicate that the trucks were likely heading toward Somalia’s Galmudug and Puntland states.
This incident comes amid growing concerns over the flow of weapons from Ethiopia into Somalia’s border regions. It follows a similar event in July, where trucks carrying weapons from Ethiopia were intercepted in Abudwak, Galmudug. There have been ongoing reports of arms shipments crossing the border, allegedly supplied by Ethiopian actors to warlords or militias in Somalia’s eastern regions, contributing to instability.
Federal government sources confirmed that authorities in Mogadishu are closely monitoring the situation. The movement of weapons along the Somalia-Ethiopia border has raised alarms about the potential for escalated conflict, particularly in regions like Mudug and Puntland, which have seen increased militia activity in recent months.
The Puntland administration has so far managed to avoid violence in this incident, but tensions remain high, with local militias attempting to disrupt the flow of military supplies into the region.
