Puntland Police Command has reportedly suspended Mudug Regional Police Commander Mahmoud Muse Bile alias (Fardafuul) following the escape of detained Somali pirates.
Bile has been temporarily replaced by his deputy, Ayuub Said Ali Dheeg, who is now serving as acting commander of the Mudug Regional Police Division.
The suspension reportedly follows the escape of pirate suspects who had been transported from Garacad after being captured during an operation to seize the hijacked vessel SIBU 1.
The escape occurred on September 26 and was followed by a confrontation that left one of the pirate detainees dead and another injured.
The detainees had been captured after Puntland forces took control of the SIBU 1, one of the vessels hijacked by Somali pirates operating along the Puntland coast.
Puntland is still reportedly holding other suspected pirates captured during recent anti-piracy operations. The number of detainees in its custody is now believed to be close to 30, including suspects captured from the Honour 25 and SIBU 1 vessels.
The escape has raised concerns over security and the procedures used to guard pirates detained during maritime operations. The suspension of the Mudug police commander is among the measures taken following the incident.
Mustaqbal
