MOGADISHU, Somalia — July 21, 2026 —The Puntland Security Force (PSF), one of Puntland’s most experienced and heavily equipped security units, has become the focus of a growing political dispute between Somalia’s Federal Government and the Puntland administration after federal officials stated that the force had been incorporated into the Somali National Army (SNA). Puntland authorities have rejected the claim, insisting the PSF remains under regional control and warning they will not accept any attempt to place the force under federal command.

The dispute intensified after officials within Somalia’s Federal Government announced that the PSF now forms part of the 17th Brigade of the Somali National Army, describing it as a federal military formation recruited from within Puntland.

Puntland authorities swiftly dismissed the assertion, maintaining that the PSF is an institution established, funded, and commanded by the Puntland administration. Regional leaders said they do not recognize any decision to integrate the force into the federal military structure.

The disagreement comes at a time of heightened political tensions between Mogadishu and Puntland over constitutional authority, security management, and relations between the Federal Government and federal member states.

The issue has gained additional attention following recent clashes involving personnel linked to the PSF and Puntland security forces near Bosaso. While officials have acknowledged the incidents, both sides have continued to present differing accounts regarding the status and command structure of the force.

What Is the Puntland Security Force?

The Puntland Security Force was established during the early 2000s as Puntland sought to strengthen its ability to respond to emerging security threats across northeastern Somalia.

The force was created under the administration of former Puntland President Mohamud Muse Hersi, widely known as “Adde Muse,” during a period when piracy along Somalia’s coastline and militant activity posed increasing challenges to regional security.

According to Puntland officials and security analysts, the PSF was developed with support from international partners seeking to improve Puntland’s counterterrorism capacity. The unit received specialized training and equipment aimed at conducting intelligence-driven security operations.

Over time, the PSF developed into one of Puntland’s most capable specialized security formations, carrying out operations against militant groups operating in the Bari region, including ISIS-affiliated fighters and Al-Shabaab cells.

Unlike Somalia’s federal security institutions, the PSF has historically operated under Puntland’s regional command structure and has been regarded by Puntland authorities as a force responsible for safeguarding the region while supporting counterterrorism operations.

Competing Positions Over the Force

Federal Government officials argue that the PSF has now been incorporated into the Somali National Army as part of broader efforts to strengthen national security institutions and integrate security forces across the country.

Puntland officials reject that interpretation, arguing that the force remains constitutionally accountable to the Puntland administration and cannot be transferred to federal control without agreement from regional authorities.

Regional leaders have also argued that placing the PSF under federal command would undermine Puntland’s constitutional responsibilities for managing its own regional security institutions.

Neither side has announced a negotiated settlement, leaving the force’s future status at the center of an increasingly sensitive political debate.

Relations between the Federal Government and Puntland have frequently been strained over questions involving constitutional powers, elections, resource management, and security responsibilities.

Security governance has remained one of the most contentious issues since Somalia began rebuilding national institutions after decades of conflict. While the Federal Government has pursued efforts to establish unified national security structures, Puntland has consistently maintained that regional administrations retain authority over their own security forces under Somalia’s federal system.

The PSF has often been viewed as one of Puntland’s most effective security institutions because of its specialized training, intelligence capabilities, and operational experience against militant groups operating in remote mountainous areas.

Its role has become increasingly significant as Puntland continues military operations targeting ISIS militants entrenched in parts of the Bari region.

Government Response

Federal officials continue to describe the PSF as part of the Somali National Army’s 17th Brigade, presenting the move as part of efforts to strengthen national military institutions.

Puntland authorities have reiterated that they reject the federal position and insist the force remains under Puntland’s authority.

As of Tuesday, neither side had announced formal negotiations or a joint mechanism aimed at resolving the disagreement.

The dispute is expected to remain a significant political and security issue in the coming weeks.

Analysts say any effort to alter the command structure of specialized regional forces is likely to require dialogue between the Federal Government and Puntland to avoid further tensions.

Security observers also note that continued disagreements over military command could complicate ongoing counterterrorism operations if coordination between federal and regional security institutions deteriorates.

The dispute extends beyond the status of a single security force. It reflects broader disagreements over how Somalia’s federal system should function, particularly regarding the balance of authority between the Federal Government and regional administrations.

The PSF has played a prominent role in counterterrorism operations in Puntland for many years. Any uncertainty over its command structure could affect operational coordination, intelligence sharing, and future security planning, especially as operations against ISIS and Al-Shabaab continue in northeastern Somalia.

The disagreement also highlights unresolved constitutional questions surrounding the integration of regional security forces into national institutions. Similar debates have periodically emerged in other federal member states, making the outcome of the PSF dispute significant for Somalia’s wider security sector reform efforts.