Puntland Releases Turkish-Flagged Vessel After Military Cargo Dispute

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Puntland’s regional authorities have released a cargo ship carrying military equipment and commercial goods bound for Mogadishu, following a high-level agreement with the Government of Turkey.

The MV Sea World, flying the Comoros flag, was intercepted last month by Puntland’s Maritime Police Force near Bareda, in the Gardafuu region. The vessel, en route from the Turkish port of Izmir to Somalia, was found carrying armored vehicles, MRAPs, and anti-aircraft guns, some bearing Turkish military markings.

The interception sparked a diplomatic standoff between Puntland and the Somali federal government, which condemned the action as a threat to national security cooperation and a breach of protocol.

Ankara insisted the cargo was part of a formal defense agreement with Somalia.

On Monday, Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni met with a Turkish delegation led by Ambassador Alper Aktaş in Bosaso, where Turkish officials provided documentation proving the cargo’s legitimacy.

“Based on the evidence submitted by the Turkish Government and the investigation conducted on the vessel and its cargo, Puntland has decided to transfer responsibility for the MV Sea World and its cargo to the Turkish Government,” Puntland said in a statement.

Federal authorities said the shipment was authorized and destined for the TÜRKSOM military training facility in Mogadishu, and included commercial goods for Somali traders.

Puntland had earlier disputed this, describing the ship as carrying unauthorized military supplies and raising concerns over possible looting after it was boarded by local fishermen.