Garowe, Somalia — August 5, 2026 —Puntland authorities say they have established full control over the city of Gaalkacyo after completing what they described as a planned security operation against armed groups, claiming to have captured 101 officers and personnel, including senior commanders, as well as 60 wounded individuals.
According to an official statement issued by Puntland Police on Wednesday, the operation also led to the seizure of weapons, military vehicles, police equipment, and other security materials. The Federal Government of Somalia has not commented on the claims, and the reported figures have not been independently verified.
Puntland said the operation targeted armed groups that it accused of threatening public security and stability in Gaalkacyo, a city divided between Puntland and Galmudug administrations.
According to Puntland Police, the operation concluded successfully after security forces moved against the targeted groups in coordinated raids.
Officials said those detained include Giijaale Cabdi Baydhabo, whom Puntland identified as the commander of the armed group operating in Gaalkacyo, his deputy Mahad Mowliid, and an individual whom authorities said managed the Somali Police Force’s database.
Puntland said a total of 101 officers and personnel were taken into custody during the operation. Authorities also reported that 60 wounded individuals were captured.
The administration did not specify the affiliations of all those detained beyond describing them as members of armed groups. The reported figures have not been independently confirmed.
Weapons and Security Equipment Seized
According to the Puntland statement, security forces recovered a large quantity of military equipment during the operation.
Officials said the seized items included firearms, ammunition, military vehicles, police uniforms, handcuffs, police boots, and other security equipment.
Puntland also claimed that some of the recovered materials were part of assistance previously donated by the Chinese government to the Somali Police Force.
The administration did not release photographs or a complete inventory of the seized equipment.
Treatment of Detainees
Puntland said suspects accused of serious crimes will remain in custody while investigations and legal proceedings continue.
Authorities added that relatives of the wounded individuals may take custody of them through procedures established by Puntland’s security agencies and judicial institutions.
No information was immediately released regarding possible charges against those detained.
As of publication, Somalia’s Federal Government had not issued an official response to Puntland’s announcement.
Federal authorities have also not commented on Puntland’s claim that it captured members linked to federal security institutions or on the reported seizure of government-issued equipment.
The figures and allegations contained in Puntland’s statement remain unverified by independent sources.
The operation follows several days of heightened tensions in Gaalkacyo between Puntland forces and personnel that Puntland says were affiliated with Somalia’s Federal Government security institutions.
Earlier this week, Puntland authorities announced the detention of Col. Cabdiqaadir Shiine, identified by local security sources as the deputy commander of Somalia’s Federal Police JET special unit, a force trained and equipped by the United States.
Puntland also issued a 48-hour ultimatum ordering individuals within its territory who claimed affiliation with federal security agencies to report to Puntland authorities and surrender their weapons.
At the same time, Puntland banned unauthorized firearms outside its official security structure and warned that additional security operations would continue against armed groups that failed to comply with government directives.
The latest developments have added to political and security tensions between Puntland and Somalia’s Federal Government, with regional leaders accusing Mogadishu of using federal security institutions for political purposes. Federal officials have not publicly responded to those accusations.
Puntland says security operations will continue against any armed groups that refuse to surrender.
The administration warned that individuals who ignore its directives will face further operations and legal action under Puntland law.
Attention is now likely to focus on whether Somalia’s Federal Government responds to Puntland’s latest claims and whether negotiations or further security measures follow in the coming days.
Gaalkacyo has long been one of Somalia’s most strategically important and politically sensitive cities because it is shared by Puntland and Galmudug. Security incidents in the city often have implications beyond the local level, affecting relations between federal and regional authorities.