MOGADISHU, Somalia — June 20, 2026 —Puntland security forces say they have foiled an attempted takeover of Goldogob Airport in the Mudug region, according to regional and district security officials. Authorities confirmed that the situation is now under control, while earlier reports suggested movements involving armed groups and alleged federal forces in parts of the town.
Puntland security authorities reported on Wednesday that armed individuals attempted to take control of Goldogob Airport in the Mudug region of central Somalia, but the attempt was successfully prevented by security forces stationed at the facility.
According to the District Police Commander of Galdogob, Second Lieutenant Xuseen Cali Warsame, the incident involved armed militias who tried to access the airport but were intercepted before achieving their objective.
He said the groups “failed to achieve their goal” and confirmed that local security units remain deployed at the airport to maintain order and prevent further incidents.
Regional security officials also stated that Puntland forces have full control of the airport following the attempted takeover and that security has since been reinforced in and around the area.
Separately, security sources and local residents reported sightings of Somali federal government forces in parts of Goldogob on Wednesday. Some of these sources claimed that federal units briefly entered or gained access to the airport area, although these claims have not been independently verified.
Puntland authorities have since rejected suggestions of any loss of control, insisting that the airport remains firmly under their administration and that security operations are ongoing.
Officials from the Federal Government of Somalia have not issued a detailed public response regarding the reported movements at the time of publication.
Security officials in Galdogob say calm has been restored after the incident, with patrols and armed personnel still positioned at key entry points to the airport.
Local sources report a heightened security presence across the town following the reported tensions, although there are no confirmed reports of casualties or damage linked to the incident.
The District Police Commander confirmed that security agencies are actively monitoring the situation and remain prepared to respond to any renewed threats.
Puntland security officials reiterated that the airport remains under their control and dismissed reports suggesting any successful takeover attempt.
Authorities on both sides have not issued a joint statement addressing the conflicting claims.
Goldogob, located in the Mudug region, has previously seen intermittent security tensions linked to broader political and territorial disputes between Puntland administration and federal government structures.
The area is strategically significant due to its transport routes and proximity to regional administrative boundaries, making control of infrastructure such as airports sensitive during periods of political tension.
Security incidents in similar locations have previously involved competing claims of authority between regional and federal actors, often accompanied by conflicting reports from local sources.
Security operations are expected to continue in and around Goldogob Airport as authorities work to stabilize the situation.
Officials have not indicated any planned negotiations or joint investigations regarding the reported incidents. Further updates are expected as more verified information becomes available from both Puntland and federal authorities.
The reported incident highlights ongoing tensions over control of strategic infrastructure in parts of Somalia where federal and regional authorities have overlapping claims.
Even without confirmed escalation, competing narratives around control of the airport reflect broader political and security fragility in the region.
For civilians in Goldogob, such incidents often result in increased military presence and uncertainty, even when full-scale clashes do not occur.