MOGADISHU, Somalia — August 6, 2026 —Puntland authorities have taken control of a military base in Bosaso that had been occupied by a pro-federal government faction of the (PSF), following what local security sources described as a peaceful transfer of weapons, military equipment, and combat vehicles.
The development marks the latest step in Puntland’s campaign to consolidate control over armed units operating within its territory after President Said Abdullahi Deni issued a 48-hour ultimatum ordering armed groups to surrender their weapons or face military action.
According to local security sources, there was no fighting during the handover, and no security incidents were reported in Bosaso as Puntland forces assumed control of the former PSF facility.
Security sources said members of the PSF faction peacefully transferred weapons, military equipment, ammunition, and combat vehicles stored at the base to Puntland authorities.
Officials have not released an official inventory of the equipment handed over, but local sources described the military assets as including a substantial amount of operational equipment previously stationed at the facility.
The peaceful transfer contrasts with concerns that the ultimatum issued by Puntland authorities could trigger armed confrontations in parts of the region.
The operation follows President Deni’s announcement on Wednesday giving armed groups across Puntland 48 hours to surrender their weapons voluntarily or face military operations. During his remarks, Deni warned that groups refusing to comply could face military action similar to recent clashes in Galkayo.
Puntland authorities have not announced whether additional groups have accepted the ultimatum.
Movement Toward Las Anod
In a separate development, local sources reported that a convoy of seven vehicles carrying armed personnel arrived in Las Anod after departing from Qardho.
The identity of the force and the purpose of the deployment have not been officially confirmed.
Neither Puntland authorities nor officials in Las Anod have publicly commented on the reported movement.
Puntland officials have presented the latest operation as part of broader efforts to strengthen security and unify armed forces operating within Puntland under a single command structure.
According to Puntland officials and local security sources, authorities believe the latest developments significantly weaken armed units that were aligned with Somalia’s Federal Government and had reportedly been organized across areas stretching from Galkayo to Bosaso.
Somalia’s Federal Government had not issued an official response to the reported takeover or the claims made by Puntland authorities at the time of publication.
Casualties and Humanitarian Impact
No casualties or injuries were reported during the transfer of the Bosaso military base.
Local residents also reported that daily life in Bosaso continued normally, with no reports of displacement or damage linked to the operation.
Relations between Puntland and Somalia’s Federal Government have remained strained over political authority, security coordination, and control of regional forces.
The Puntland Security Force, originally established as a counterterrorism force with international support, has experienced internal divisions in recent years, with some factions maintaining closer ties to Puntland authorities while others were viewed by Puntland officials as aligned with the Federal Government.
Tensions have intensified during recent months as Puntland accused the Federal Government of supporting armed groups operating inside Puntland territory, allegations that Mogadishu has previously rejected.
The latest developments also follow recent security tensions in Galkayo, where Puntland authorities warned they would use force against armed groups that refused to recognize the regional administration’s authority.
President Deni’s 48-hour ultimatum was widely viewed as a decisive effort to bring all armed formations in Puntland under unified command while preventing the emergence of competing military structures.
Attention is now focused on whether other armed groups will comply with Puntland’s deadline to surrender their weapons or whether authorities will launch additional security operations.
Observers are also monitoring the reported deployment of armed personnel to Las Anod to determine whether it is linked to Puntland’s broader security measures or another operation.
Any official response from Somalia’s Federal Government could also shape the next phase of relations between Mogadishu and Puntland.
The peaceful transfer of the Bosaso military base is significant because it allows Puntland to expand direct control over a strategic security installation without armed confrontation. Avoiding violence reduces the immediate risk of instability in Bosaso, one of Puntland’s most important commercial and port cities.
The development may also strengthen Puntland’s efforts to centralize command over armed forces operating within its territory. If additional groups comply with the government’s ultimatum, Puntland could consolidate its security structure and reduce the presence of competing armed organizations.
At the political level, the operation is likely to add to existing tensions between Puntland and Somalia’s Federal Government, particularly if competing claims over security authority continue. Whether both sides seek dialogue or adopt more confrontational positions could influence future relations between Mogadishu and Puntland.