Puntland Security Forces Nab Suspected Terrorists and Drones
GAROWE, Somalia (AXADLE) – In a significant operation, Puntland security personnel captured seven individuals alleged to have connections with Al-Shabaab or ISIS, alongside a clandestine shipment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) entering the region, as reported by a local security insider on Monday.
The suspects found themselves in custody after intelligence hinted they were transporting an arsenal of weaponry.
A high-ranking member of Puntland’s security forces, who chose to remain anonymous, revealed that among the confiscated UAVs were five Kamikaze drones, suspected to have been smuggled in from Yemen.
This interception unfolded in the early hours of Monday, as a truck made its way between Galkayo and Garowe, the capital of Puntland.
According to Kaab TV’s coverage, local security officials suspect the drones likely infiltrated Puntland through Bosaso, the main maritime gateway on the Red Sea.
This incident coincides with heightened counter-terrorism efforts underway in the Bosaso area.
“The apprehended suspects, along with the concealed drones, were heading toward Galkayo when they were intercepted,” stated the security insider.
After halting the truck, further probing by officers unveiled the five drones, which are now securely held by Puntland’s security forces.
No additional information about the inquiry has been disclosed by officials. Nonetheless, there is a strong belief that this shipment was destined for Al-Shabaab, which actively seeks to acquire suicide drones for its campaigns.
Loitering munitions, often referred to as suicide drones or Kamikaze drones, have emerged as recent players in conflict theatres, gaining traction among various entities, including Russia, Ukraine, and the Houthis in Yemen.
These advanced drones boast the capacity to slip past radar systems and execute precise attacks.
In late July, security officials in Bosaso reported seizing a substantial cache of illicit arms during an operation in the port city.
The weaponry is believed to have been trafficked from Yemen to Puntland, underscoring the persistent security dilemmas facing the region.
