GAROWE, Somalia — July 16, 2026 — Gen. Jimcaale Takar, the commander appointed by Somalia’s Federal Government to oversee Danab Special Forces operations in Puntland, has returned to Garowe after spending several weeks in Las Anod. His return follows consultations that reportedly eased tensions over his relationship with the Puntland administration and comes amid reports that he has distanced himself from Mogadishu in favor of closer cooperation with Puntland.
Gen. Takar arrived in Garowe after weeks in Las Anod, where his stay had drawn attention as questions persisted over his future role in Puntland’s security structure.
According to local sources and officials familiar with the matter, his return came after extensive consultations involving traditional elders from the Nugaal region and senior Puntland officials. Those discussions reportedly focused on resolving disagreements linked to his position and his relationship with both the Puntland administration and Somalia’s Federal Government.
Shortly after his arrival, Puntland’s Minister of Interior and Minister of Health met with Gen. Takar in Garowe. According to Puntland officials, the meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between the Danab commander and the Puntland administration, as well as discussing future security coordination.
Neither ministry immediately released detailed information on the outcome of the meeting.
According to multiple reports, Somalia’s Federal Government had intended for Gen. Takar to organize forces in Puntland aligned with Mogadishu as part of its broader security strategy. However, following consultations with Puntland traditional elders and other unnamed foreign officials, he reportedly chose to align himself with the Puntland administration, distancing himself from the Federal Government’s circle.
The reported change has not been officially confirmed by either the Federal Government or Puntland authorities. Gen. Takar has also not publicly commented on the reports or announced any formal change in his position.
Officials from Puntland have publicly received Gen. Takar in Garowe and held discussions on future cooperation, but they have not commented directly on reports that he has shifted his political or security alignment.
The Federal Government has not issued an official statement regarding the reports or clarified whether Gen. Takar remains responsible for overseeing Danab operations in Puntland.
Gen. Jimcaale Takar was appointed by Somalia’s Federal Government to oversee Danab Special Forces activities in Puntland, a region where relations between Garowe and Mogadishu have remained strained over political authority, constitutional matters, and security arrangements.
Puntland has repeatedly opposed what it describes as attempts by the Federal Government to establish parallel security structures within the state without coordination with regional authorities. Federal officials, meanwhile, have maintained that national security institutions operate under the authority of the Federal Government.
The latest developments follow months of political disagreements between Puntland and Mogadishu over governance, constitutional reforms, and the command of national security forces.
Security analysts say control and coordination of elite units such as the Danab Special Forces remain sensitive issues because of their role in counterterrorism operations and broader national security efforts.
It remains unclear what formal role Gen. Takar will play following his return to Garowe.
Questions also remain over whether he will continue coordinating with both Puntland and the Federal Government or work primarily alongside Puntland authorities.
Any official statement from Gen. Takar, Puntland, or the Federal Government is expected to provide greater clarity on his future responsibilities and the command arrangements for Danab forces operating in Puntland.
The reported return of Gen. Jimcaale Takar to Garowe represents more than a routine movement of a military commander. If reports of his alignment with Puntland are confirmed, the development could influence the relationship between regional administrations and the Federal Government on security coordination.
The issue also highlights the continuing challenge of balancing federal and regional authority over Somalia’s security institutions. Questions surrounding command structures have repeatedly emerged during periods of political disagreement between Mogadishu and several Federal Member States.
For Puntland, stronger cooperation with a senior Danab commander could reinforce coordination between regional and national security forces operating in the state. For the Federal Government, the reports underscore the importance of maintaining working relationships with regional administrations while pursuing national security objectives.