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Weapons Stand-off: Updates on the Ongoing Row over Seized Vessel

Storyline:National News, Security

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: This is an update of the unfolding situation over the seizure of a vessel carrying military weapons from Türkiye to Somalia by Puntland state.

Seizure of MV Sea World

  • On July 18, 2025, Puntland’s Maritime Police Force intercepted the Comoros‑flagged cargo vessel MV Sea World near the coast of Bareeda, in the Puntland region of Bari. The ship had reportedly lingered for two days in Somali waters.
  • Puntland says fishermen first boarded the vessel, prompting their Coast Guard to step in and secure it to protect the military cargo from looting.
  • The vessel was escorted to Bosaso Port, where its cargo remains under investigation.

Cargo and Claims

  • Puntland asserts that the ship was carrying military equipment solely, not commercial goods, and that this raised legitimate security concerns—especially given the region’s anti-ISIS operations.
  • Somali traders from Mogadishu and Turkey’s ambassador to Somalia, Alper Aktaş, reportedly contacted Puntland, each claiming ownership of the cargo.

Federal Government Response

  • Mogadishu issued a statement on July 23, 2025, demanding the “immediate and unconditional release” of the vessel, calling the seizure an unlawful “hijacking” and breach of Somalia’s constitutional authority over defense and territorial waters.
  • The federal government asserted the cargo was legally authorized under a bilateral defense agreement with Turkey, destined for Camp TÜRKSOM, Turkey’s military training center in Mogadishu.

Puntland’s Defense

  • Puntland rejects the piracy accusation and says its actions were legal, citing Article 54 of the Provisional Constitution, which reserves national defense authority to the federal government—but insists on its role in preventing unauthorized military weapons in its turf.
  • Authorities say they welcome a joint investigation, inviting both the Turkish government and Mogadishu to participate.

Political Fallout

  • Former Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, speaking from Mogadishu, urged Puntland to release the vessel, warning that the standoff could strain Somalia’s international security partnerships and complicate efforts to rebuild the national army.
  • The incident is unfolding amid a wider constitutional conflict since March 2024, when Puntland formally severed recognition of the federal government, demanding broader powers—especially over security.

Why It Matters

  • This incident highlights the deepening rift between Mogadishu and Puntland, especially over control of security, maritime jurisdiction, and arms import regulation.
  • Puntland’s unilateral move signals its refusal to accept federal monopoly over arms flows—exacerbating already tense relations.
  • For Turkey, a key security partner and TÜRKSOM operator, the situation risks complicating defense cooperation and aid delivery.
  • Analysts also point to broader issues of maritime governance, regional autonomy, and federalism in post-embargo Somalia.