Tensions Rise in Puntland as Federal-Aligned Forces Reportedly Leave Carmo

GOOBJOOG NEWS | BOSASO: Tensions have risen in Somalia’s Puntland region after troops aligned with the Federal Government reportedly left positions in the Carmo area overnight, just hours before they were expected to hand over responsibility for their bases to Puntland authorities.

The movement has not been officially explained. Local reports said the troops, who had been stationed in the area, were expected to transfer control of their positions to Puntland security forces on Saturday but instead moved eastwards during the night.

The reports could not be independently verified, and neither the Federal Government nor Puntland authorities had issued a detailed statement explaining the movement or confirming whether it was linked to the planned handover.

The development follows a 48-hour deadline issued by Puntland authorities this week ordering forces operating in the region outside its formal security structures, including units aligned with Mogadishu, to surrender or integrate into Puntland’s security institutions.

Puntland forces have already taken control of a former Puntland Security Force base in Bosaso after an agreement with personnel stationed there. The move followed fighting in Galkayo earlier in the week, where Puntland forces seized a camp held by troops aligned with the Federal Government. Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni described the Galkayo operation as a planned security action.

The developments mark a sharp escalation in a long-running dispute over the command and deployment of security forces in Puntland, where disagreements with Mogadishu have widened over political authority, security arrangements and the federal system.

Puntland has argued that security forces operating inside the state should fall under the authority of its administration, while the Federal Government maintains national responsibility for Somalia’s security institutions. The competing claims have complicated efforts to establish unified security structures across the country.

Carmo is particularly significant because it hosts a major Puntland police training facility and has been used for the training of security personnel.

The latest troop movement comes as Puntland continues its campaign against Islamic State militants in the Cal Miskaad mountain area, while political tensions with Mogadishu risk diverting attention and resources from the broader fight against armed groups.

For now, it remains unclear whether the reported movement from Carmo represents a temporary repositioning, a breakdown in the planned handover or a wider redeployment of federal-aligned forces. Further statements from Mogadishu and Garowe are likely to determine whether the latest development leads to negotiations or further confrontation.