Puntland Security Forces Take Control of Former PSF Base in Bosaso Amid Security Integration Drive

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Puntland security forces have taken control of a base previously occupied by the Puntland Security Force (PSF) in the port city of Bosaso after local commanders reached an agreement with regional authorities, in the latest development in efforts to consolidate security forces in Somalia’s semi-autonomous northeastern state.

Residents and local officials said Puntland forces assumed control of the facility on Thursday without reports of clashes, following negotiations between PSF commanders stationed at the base and officials from the Puntland administration.

The base was one of the largest installations used by the PSF, a force established with international backing to conduct counterterrorism operations in Puntland.

The handover came a day after Puntland authorities issued a 48-hour ultimatum ordering armed personnel operating outside the region’s official security structures, including those they said answered to Somalia’s Federal Government, to surrender their weapons or integrate into Puntland’s security forces.

Puntland officials said the move was intended to strengthen command and control over the region’s security forces and improve coordination in responding to security threats.

There was no immediate comment from Somalia’s Federal Government or former PSF commanders on the reported takeover.

The development follows years of disputes over the command and status of the PSF, which was established in the early 2000s with support from international partners to combat militant groups, including Islamic State’s Somalia affiliate.

Internal disagreements over the force’s leadership in recent years exposed wider tensions between Puntland authorities and some security units, prompting repeated efforts to integrate all armed formations under a unified regional command.

The consolidation of security forces comes as Puntland continues military operations against Islamic State militants in the Al Miskaad Mountains of Bari region, while also maintaining a complex relationship with the Federal Government over security coordination and constitutional powers.

Security analysts say clearer command structures could strengthen counterterrorism operations, although cooperation between Mogadishu and Puntland remains an important factor in addressing shared security threats across northern Somalia.