Puntland

MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Jubaland and Puntland State regional administrations on Sunday accused the federal government of blocking planes carrying their soldiers and presidential security guards from landing in the capital, an escalation that threatens a planned high-level consultative conference on elections. Both regional states said aircraft transporting advance delegations and security details were ordered to turn back shortly before landing at Aden Adde International Airport. The orders, they said, were unsafe, politically…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Puntland State and Jubaland on Sunday accused Somalia’s federal government of endangering their delegations and security personnel after aircraft carrying troops and advance officials were ordered to turn back en route to Mogadishu. In separate statements, the two Federal Member States condemned what they said was a federal government decision to deny air clearance to planes transporting security teams ahead of the arrival of Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni and Jubaland President Ahmed…

NAIROBI, Kenya — Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni met in Nairobi with diplomats from key international partners to discuss Somalia’s political landscape, his office said, as foreign envoys prepare parallel contacts with regional leaders and opposition figures ahead of proposed national talks. Deni, accompanied by members of his cabinet, held talks with representatives from the United Nations, the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union, according to officials. The meeting comes amid heightened…

Puntland State orders defected officers to return weapons as federal alignment deepens in Las Anod Police commander warns of “dangerous” consequences amid rift over assets, loyalty and command GAROWE, Somalia — Puntland State authorities have ordered military officers who have defected to the federal government to immediately hand back weapons, vehicles and bases, warning that failure to comply could trigger serious security repercussions. The directive, delivered by Puntland State Police Commander Gen. Mumin Abdi Shire,…

GAROWE, Somalia — Puntland State authorities on Saturday released the names and photographs of nearly 50 foreign Islamic State fighters captured during military operations in the Calmiskaat mountains of the Bari region, days after declaring the yearlong campaign against the group largely complete. Security officials said the detainees hail from at least seven countries, underscoring the transnational reach of Islamic State’s Somalia branch. The largest contingents presented were from Ethiopia and Morocco. Ethiopia: 18…

Puntland State orders defected officers to return weapons, warns of ‘dangerous’ consequences amid Las Anod realignment GAROWE, Somalia — Puntland State authorities have ordered military officers who defected to Somalia’s federal government and its newly recognized Northeastern Regional State to immediately surrender weapons, vehicles and bases, warning that failure to comply could trigger serious security repercussions. The demand, delivered by Puntland State Police Commander Gen. Mumin Abdi Shire, accuses the officers of…

Armed Puntland State troops storm Garowe police station in bid to free detained soldiers; at least 3 injured Garowe attack underscores discipline and reintegration strains after anti-ISIS campaign in Calmiskaad mountains GAROWE, Puntland State — At least three soldiers were injured Friday when armed members of Puntland State’s Duufaan Brigade attempted to force their way into the central police station in Garowe to free two comrades detained earlier for possession of alcohol, according to police and security sources. The…

Somalia deploys former Puntland State forces to Sool front lines as president plans landmark Las Anod visit Units from Danab Brigade and Puntland State Security Force bolster positions near Gumays as Mogadishu consolidates authority in newly recognized Northeastern Regional State. LAS ANOD, Somalia — Somalia’s federal government has deployed former Puntland State regional forces — including units of the elite Danab Brigade and the Puntland State Security Force — to front-line positions in the Sool region, regional officials…

Puntland State president vows measured response amid Somalia’s political uncertainty AXADLE, Somalia — Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni pledged a restrained, experience-driven response to political shifts at home and abroad, warning that unilateral constitutional changes by Somalia’s Federal Government risk deepening divisions at a critical moment for the country’s statehood. Speaking to a youth forum in Garowe, the regional capital, Deni said Puntland State’s record since its formation will continue to guide…

BOSASO, Somalia — A roadside explosion struck a mine-sweeping vehicle on the new road linking Bosaso and Dhaadaar on Sunday morning, killing at least three members of Puntland State’s security forces and wounding more than five others, officials said. The blast occurred as security units were conducting a clearance operation along the route, according to security sources. The vehicle was working to detect and neutralize suspected explosives when the device detonated. Those killed include Jama Mohamed Caduur, known as…