MOGADISHU, Somalia — July 23, 2026 —The Somali Federal Government on Thursday reportedly transported troops and military supplies by air from Mogadishu to Galkayo, according to security sources, in a move that comes amid heightened political and security tensions in the Mudug region. The reported deployment has not been officially confirmed by the government and could not be independently verified.
According to security sources familiar with the operation, a government aircraft departed Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu at approximately 8:30 a.m. local time from the military section of the airport used by the Somali armed forces.
The aircraft was reportedly carrying weapons, ammunition, and a group of soldiers destined for Galkayo, a city divided between Puntland and Galmudug administrations.
Sources said the plane was expected to land at the airport located in the southern part of Galkayo, which is administered by Galmudug State. The military personnel and equipment were then expected to be transported to a base reportedly occupied by forces aligned with the Federal Government on the Puntland side of the city.
The Federal Government had not issued a public statement on the reported operation by the time of publication.
According to the same sources, the aircraft carried soldiers who had previously returned from Puntland as well as personnel who had earlier taken part in military operations in the Masjid Ali Gaduud area of the Middle Shabelle region.
Security sources also claimed that two vehicles carrying military cargo entered Aden Adde International Airport on Wednesday afternoon before the supplies were loaded onto the aircraft.
The shipment reportedly consisted mainly of ammunition for different categories of firearms together with the redeployed soldiers. These claims have not been independently verified.
Government Response
No official response had been issued by Somalia’s Federal Government regarding the reported troop movement or the alleged transfer of military equipment.
Officials from Puntland and Galmudug had also not publicly commented on the reported deployment at the time of publication.
Without official confirmation, the exact purpose, scale, and duration of the reported operation remain unclear.
Presidential Meeting Reportedly Discussed Mudug Security
According to individuals familiar with the discussions, a meeting held at the Presidential Palace in Mogadishu on Wednesday reportedly focused on security developments in the Mudug region.
The sources alleged that participants discussed accelerating federal security efforts in the region, including reinforcing forces operating in and around Galkayo.
The contents of the meeting have not been officially released, and authorities have not confirmed the claims made by the sources.
Mudug remains one of Somalia’s most politically sensitive regions because it is divided between Puntland in the north and Galmudug in the south.
The city of Galkayo itself is administered by both regional states, with each controlling separate sections of the city while maintaining its own security forces and government institutions.
Relations between Somalia’s Federal Government and Puntland have remained strained over several political and constitutional issues, including disputes over federal authority, security arrangements, elections, and resource management.
Security deployments involving federal-aligned forces in Puntland-administered areas have previously generated political disagreements between Mogadishu and Puntland authorities.
Military movements in or around Mudug often attract close attention because of the region’s strategic importance and its role as a link between northern and central Somalia.
The area has also experienced security operations against the militant group Al-Shabaab, while political tensions between federal and regional authorities have periodically complicated coordination on security matters.
No reports of clashes linked to the reported deployment had emerged by Thursday.
It also remains unclear whether additional troop movements are planned or whether further military equipment will be transported to the region.
Security analysts note that any significant military deployment in the divided city of Galkayo is likely to be closely monitored by both regional administrations given the area’s political sensitivity.
Authorities have not announced any changes to civilian movement or public security measures in connection with the reported operation.
Attention is expected to focus on whether Somalia’s Federal Government, Puntland, or Galmudug issue official statements clarifying the reported military movement.
Observers will also watch for any changes in the security situation across Mudug, particularly around areas where federal-aligned forces are reportedly operating.
Until official confirmation is provided, many details surrounding the reported airlift, including the number of troops involved and the precise objectives of the deployment, remain based on claims from security sources and have not been independently verified.
The reported deployment highlights the continuing sensitivity of security issues in Mudug, where authority is shared between Puntland and Galmudug. Military movements in the region often carry political significance because they involve competing jurisdictions and ongoing debates over the role of federal security forces.
If confirmed, the deployment could influence relations between Mogadishu and Puntland at a time when cooperation on national security remains an important issue. The response of regional authorities may shape whether the operation leads to greater coordination or increased political friction.
For residents of Galkayo and surrounding communities, stability remains the primary concern. Although no clashes have been reported, any increase in military activity in the region is likely to be monitored closely by local communities and security observers due to the area’s history of political and security tensions.