GALKAYO, Somalia —(Horn Post) Authorities in Puntland have deployed large numbers of security forces to Galkayo, the capital of Somalia’s Mudug region, amid escalating political and security tensions with the Federal Government of Somalia.
The Puntland administration accused the federal government of attempting to destabilize Mudug by allegedly transporting weapons from Mogadishu through neighboring Galmudug into southern Galkayo, claims that Mogadishu has denied.
According to Puntland officials, military reinforcements have been sent to defensive positions around Galkayo as security measures are heightened across the city, which has remained largely peaceful in recent years.
Puntland Claims Military Supplies Intercepted
Puntland authorities also said security forces intercepted shipments of military uniforms, boots, and other logistical supplies that they allege were transported through Galmudug and intended for forces loyal to Somalia’s federal government operating inside Puntland territory.
The administration has not publicly presented evidence supporting the allegations, and federal authorities have yet to comment specifically on the reported seizure.
Somalian Defense Minister Rejects Claims
Speaking in Galmudug on the same day, Somalia’s Minister of Defense Ahmed Moallim Fiqi dismissed suggestions that the federal government was preparing military operations against Puntland.
Fiqi stressed that there was no planned offensive targeting Puntland and called on all sides to preserve stability and avoid actions that could increase tensions between the neighboring administrations.
Galkayo Faces Renewed Political Tensions
Galkayo is one of Somalia’s most strategically important cities and is jointly administered by Puntland in the north and Galmudug in the south. The city sits along the administrative boundary separating the two regional states.
The city has experienced relative stability for approximately eight years, following previous outbreaks of inter-clan and political violence. The latest rise in tensions comes after Puntland accused opposition groups operating in and around Galkayo of receiving logistical support from Mogadishu through Galmudug.
Garowe has alleged that these groups have established positions in parts of the city and surrounding areas with backing from the federal government. Mogadishu has not publicly responded to those accusations.
Puntland Intensifies Security Operations
The latest troop deployment follows a broader Puntland security campaign aimed at dismantling armed groups believed to have links with Somalia’s federal authorities.
In recent weeks, Puntland security forces announced the seizure of weapons in the Bari region that they said belonged to personnel loyal to the federal government. Officials now indicate they intend to identify and remove any armed elements suspected of maintaining operational ties with Mogadishu.
The developments highlight growing political friction between Puntland and Somalia’s federal government at a time of heightened debate over constitutional reforms, security authority, and federal-state relations.
This report includes claims made by Puntland authorities and responses from Somalia’s Defense Minister. Several allegations remain disputed and have not been independently verified.
Prepared by:
Horn Post Staff
