Puntland Claims Victory in Gaalkacyo as Deni Issues Ultimatum to Federal Forces

GAALKACYO — Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has declared a major victory following a security operation conducted by Puntland forces against a military base on the outskirts of Gaalkacyo, which he said had been used by Federal Government-aligned forces to stockpile weapons and plan destabilising activities.

The operation, which took place on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, targeted a base near Gaalkacyo airport where forces previously aligned with the Somali National Army had been stationed. President Deni praised the Puntland forces and commanders who carried out the operation, describing it as a “planned and pre-emptive operation” that sends a clear message to anyone seeking to undermine Puntland’s statehood.

“The forces carried out a planned operation against a base where the Federal Government had been stockpiling weapons and military supplies in recent months. The action taken by our forces is a message to anyone who works against the statehood of Puntland,” President Deni said in a statement following the operation.

Puntland Police Confirms Capture of PSF Leaders

In a detailed statement, the Puntland Police Command confirmed that the operation resulted in the capture of key leaders of the PSF militia, including Giijaale Cabdi Baydhabo, identified as the PSF militia commander in Gaalkacyo, alongside other senior officials. Puntland authorities alleged that these individuals were managing the registration and deployment of federal-aligned troops operating in the Mudug region without Puntland’s authorisation.

The police also announced the arrest of 101 suspects and confirmed that 60 others were wounded and are now in Puntland custody. “The operation resulted in the capture of 101 suspects, while 60 wounded individuals were also brought under Puntland’s control. Aside from the commanders and individuals held for serious crimes, the families of those wounded will be allowed to take custody of their relatives in accordance with procedures established by security and judicial authorities,” the statement read.

Puntland forces also seized a significant cache of weapons, vehicles, and military equipment, including police vehicles, firearms, ammunition, handcuffs, police boots, and equipment that Puntland claimed was part of a donation from the Chinese government to the Somali Police Force.

Deni Calls for Surrender and Warns Opposition Politicians

President Deni also called on all armed groups and individuals still operating outside Puntland’s legal framework to surrender immediately and integrate into the region’s security forces. He warned that further operations would be conducted if necessary to ensure security and stability across the region.

“I call on all armed forces and individuals involved in these matters to submit to the government’s authority before legal action is taken against them. The government officials in these areas know each other and should be part of their government. The lies and propaganda spread by certain politicians—I say this: anyone with a different ambition should come to the people of this country. Military politics is not possible in Puntland,” President Deni said.

Deni also issued a warning to opposition politicians whom he accused of spreading misinformation, stating that those with different ambitions should “come to the people” rather than pursue political agendas through military means.

Background: The Gaalkacyo Crisis

Wednesday’s operation followed a tense 24-hour standoff after a weapons shipment that Puntland claimed the Federal Government had airlifted into Gaalkacyo’s southern sector on Tuesday, August 4, triggering a confrontation between Galmudug security forces and armed groups. Puntland has previously accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of arming militias to destabilise the region, warning that the Federal Government was seeking to create instability in the Mudug region and undermine Puntland’s authority.

Tensions between Puntland and the Federal Government have been escalating for months, with Puntland sending additional troops to major cities and barring federal-linked troops from moving through its territory. Puntland has consistently rejected the presence of federally registered military units operating inside its territory without authorisation, viewing them as a threat to its autonomy.

The Federal Government has not yet issued an official response to Puntland’s claims or the developments in Gaalkacyo.

Critical Note

While Puntland has declared a significant tactical victory in Gaalkacyo, the operation and its aftermath raise serious concerns about the escalating military confrontation between the regional administration and the Federal Government. The capture of PSF leaders and the seizure of equipment reportedly donated by China to the Somali Police Force highlights the complexity of the security landscape, where federal resources and international donations are being used in internal political conflicts. Puntland’s claim of victory, while undoubtedly a tactical success, does not address the underlying political grievances that have fuelled the crisis. The Federal Government’s silence on the operation and its failure to provide a transparent account of the weapons shipment only deepens the mistrust between Mogadishu and Garowe. The arrest of a Somali Police Force officer and the seizure of Chinese-donated equipment further complicate international perceptions of Somalia’s security sector, where equipment intended for counter-terrorism operations is now being used in inter-administration conflict. Without a genuine commitment from both sides to de-escalate and engage in meaningful dialogue, the cycle of military confrontation and political recrimination is likely to continue, with civilian populations bearing the heaviest burden. The international community, which has invested heavily in Somalia’s stabilisation, must urgently press both sides to cease hostilities and return to the negotiating table.