Puntland Forces Seize Second PSF Base in Bosaso as Opposition and Jubaland Rally Behind Deni

BOSASO — Puntland security forces have officially taken control of the headquarters and base previously occupied by the Puntland Security Force (PSF) in Bosaso, according to a statement from the Puntland Defence Forces, marking the second such operation in as many days as the regional administration moves to consolidate its authority over military assets loyal to the Federal Government.

The operation in Bosaso follows a similar action in Gaalkacyo on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, where Puntland forces overran a PSF base, arrested commanders, and seized weapons and military equipment. According to Puntland officials, the Bosaso operation was part of a broader campaign to ensure security, protect civilians, and uphold the rule of law across Puntland’s territories.

The PSF, which was once a US-backed counter-terrorism unit, has been at odds with President Deni’s administration since late 2021, when the president attempted to dismiss its then-commander. Puntland has consistently maintained that the PSF does not legally form part of its defence structure and has rejected any federally registered military units operating inside its territory without authorisation.

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.

Details of the Bosaso Operation

In a statement released on Thursday, August 6, 2026, the Puntland Defence Forces confirmed that they had formally taken control of the PSF headquarters and base in Bosaso, and that they now fully administer the facility. The operation was described as a continuation of the security operation carried out in Gaalkacyo the previous day, which targeted PSF positions and resulted in the capture of 101 suspects and 60 wounded individuals.

During the Gaalkacyo operation, Puntland forces 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.

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’s Justification and Warnings

The Puntland Defence Forces stated that all operations are being conducted in accordance with the constitution and the laws of the country, with the aim of ensuring security, protecting civilians, strengthening state institutions, and upholding the rule of law.

The statement also issued a direct call to forces not affiliated with Puntland’s military structure to surrender. “Puntland Defence Forces call on all armed groups and individuals still present in various areas to surrender to Puntland’s government and take advantage of the opportunity to return to the legal framework,” the statement read.

A stern warning was also issued to anyone providing refuge, support, or assistance to rebel groups, stating that they would be held accountable under the law. “Puntland Defence Forces reiterate that anyone who refuses to comply with the orders of security agencies will face strict legal action, and operations will continue to ensure security, stability, and public order across the country,” the statement added.

Jubaland Condemns Federal Government, Expresses Solidarity with Puntland

In a separate development, the Jubaland State administration issued a strongly worded statement condemning what it described as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s “creation of instability” in Puntland’s territories, particularly in Gaalkacyo, and expressing solidarity with Puntland.

“The Jubaland government strongly condemns the conflicts and instability that the term-expired President of the Federal Government of Somalia is stoking in Puntland’s territories, particularly in Gaalkacyo in the Mudug region,” the statement from Jubaland’s presidency read.

Jubaland described it as “unfortunate” that, at a time when the Somali National Army has achieved significant gains against Al-Shabaab and is defending the country from extremist groups, weapons and troops are being deployed to peaceful areas enjoying security and stability. “It is unfortunate that, while the Somali National Army fighting terrorism has achieved tangible gains and is defending the country from extremist groups, weapons and troops are being deployed to peaceful areas that enjoy security and order,” the statement added.

Jubaland also stated that such actions pose a threat to peace, stability, and social cohesion, undermining the tangible progress made in security and reconciliation in Gaalkacyo over the past decade. The regional administration called on Puntland’s leadership and people to remain vigilant and united, and to prevent anything that could lead to the destruction of Puntland’s existence and the security it currently enjoys.

The statement from Jubaland represents a significant political development, as it signals growing solidarity among federal member states in opposition to the Federal Government’s security policies. Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe and Puntland President Said Deni have previously been allies in the Somali Future Council, an opposition coalition that has been critical of President Mohamud’s administration.

Opposition Leader Sharif Sheikh Ahmed Condemns President

Former President and leader of the Somali Salvation Council, Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, also issued a strongly worded statement condemning the Gaalkacyo clashes and holding President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud directly responsible for the violence.

“I deeply regret and mourn the casualties resulting from the security disturbances that occurred today in Gaalkacyo, the capital of the Mudug region,” Sharif said in a statement. “I call on the Somali community living together in the city to collectively prevent the misguided actions that are being orchestrated.”

Sharif directly accused President Mohamud of responsibility for the political tensions and armed violence in parts of the country, particularly in Gaalkacyo. “I strongly condemn the irresponsibility of the term-expired President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who directly bears responsibility and the poor judgment behind the political tensions and armed violence in parts of the country, particularly in Gaalkacyo,” he stated.

“The term-expired administration has previously orchestrated similar conflicts in South West State and Jubaland, and it is not something the Somali people can continue to watch idly,” Sharif added.

Sharif also expressed disappointment that the President had sidelined the fight against extremist groups that pose a threat to statehood, while instead deploying national forces and public resources for narrow political interests serving a specific group. “It is unfortunate that the President has set aside the fight against extremist groups that threaten statehood, while instead using national forces and public resources for narrow political interests serving a specific group,” he said.

Sharif concluded by calling on the Somali people to take action against the president, whom he described as having “crossed the boundaries of statehood.” “The Somali people now have a national duty to restrain the term-expired president, as he has crossed the boundaries of statehood,” he said. “The fragile statehood of our country requires reconciliation, compromise, political stability, unity, and solidarity. However, former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has taken a different path—one of coercion and chaos. I once again call on him to take the country and its people seriously and to return to the table of genuine dialogue.”

President Deni has previously accused President Mohamud of breaking the country apart and warned that policies backed by allies of the president threaten to fracture Somalia regionally.

Appeal for Public Cooperation

The Puntland Defence Forces called on the public to strengthen their cooperation with security agencies and to report any information related to groups or individuals involved in destabilising activities by calling the emergency number 999. The government guaranteed the protection of confidentiality and the safety of anyone providing security-related information.

The seizure of the Bosaso base represents a significant escalation in Puntland’s efforts to assert its authority over security assets within its territory, following years of tension with the Federal Government over the status of the PSF. The Federal Government has not yet issued an official response to the developments in Bosaso or Gaalkacyo.

Puntland has barred federal-linked troops from moving through its territory and accused Mogadishu of seeking to use federal forces to weaken security inside the region.

Critical Note

Puntland’s seizure of PSF bases in Gaalkacyo and Bosaso, combined with Jubaland’s public expression of solidarity and former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed’s condemnation of President Mohamud, represents a significant escalation in the confrontation between the Federal Government and its regional states. The alignment of Puntland, Jubaland, and the Somali Salvation Council against Mogadishu signals a growing fragmentation of Somalia’s federal system, with regional administrations and opposition figures increasingly asserting their autonomy and challenging the authority of the central government. Jubaland’s condemnation of President Mohamud’s actions, coming from a state that has itself been at odds with Mogadishu over electoral processes and security arrangements, underscores the depth of the political crisis facing Somalia. Sharif Sheikh Ahmed’s direct accusation that the President has “crossed the boundaries of statehood” and his call for the Somali people to “restrain” the president represent an unprecedented escalation in political rhetoric that could further inflame tensions. While Puntland frames these operations as necessary measures to ensure security and uphold the rule of law, they also reflect the deep political rift between Mogadishu and Garowe over the distribution of military authority and the presence of federal-aligned forces in Puntland’s territory. The capture of Chinese-donated equipment and the arrest of Somali Police Force personnel further complicate international perceptions of Somalia’s security sector, where resources intended for counter-terrorism operations are now being used in inter-administration conflict. The Federal Government’s silence on these developments raises questions about its ability to assert authority over federal assets and personnel operating in regional states. Without a genuine commitment from all 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 all parties to cease hostilities and return to the negotiating table, while also demanding accountability for the misuse of internationally donated security equipment in internal political conflicts.