Heavy Fighting in Galkayo Leaves Casualties as Clashes Spill Into Second Day

GOOBJOOG NEWS|GALKAAYO: Heavy fighting that began late Tuesday and continued into Wednesday morning in the northeastern outskirts of Galkayo has left casualties and displaced civilians, as Puntland security forces battled fighters from the Puntland Security Force (PSF) aligned with Somalia’s Federal Government, residents and local sources said.

The clashes reportedly started after Puntland forces attacked positions held by the PSF in eastern Galkayo, triggering intense exchanges of gunfire and heavy weapons, including mortars.

Casualties were reported on both sides, while mortar shells landed in residential neighborhoods, raising fears of civilian deaths and injuries. No official death toll has been released, and the number of people killed or wounded could not be independently verified.

Residents said families began fleeing affected neighborhoods as the fighting spread to new areas of the city, while both sides were reported to be receiving reinforcements, heightening fears of a prolonged confrontation.

The latest violence followed allegations by Puntland authorities that the Federal Government flew a shipment of weapons into southern Galkayo on Tuesday. Puntland claims the arms were intended for forces opposed to its administration in an effort to destabilize the semi-autonomous state, an accusation the Federal Government has not publicly responded to.

The fighting marks a sharp escalation in the deepening dispute between Mogadishu and Puntland, whose relations have deteriorated over constitutional disagreements, security arrangements and political differences.

Tensions have risen in recent months as the PSF has increasingly aligned itself with the Federal Government, a move rejected by Puntland, which no longer recognizes the force as part of its official security structure. Previous confrontations involving Puntland forces and the PSF in Bosaso and surrounding areas have resulted in casualties, arrests and the seizure of military equipment, underscoring the growing security rift between the two sides.