Puntland forces capture federal camp in Galkayo, Somalia

Puntland security forces launched a planned operation on Wednesday morning and seized a camp near the airport in northern Galkayo that had been held by Somali federal government troops. President Said Abdullahi Deni said the assault was intended to send a clear message to anyone working against the Puntland government and to counter what he described as federal attempts to undermine Puntland’s security.

The operation resulted in the arrest of more than 100 people and the seizure of weapons, ammunition, vehicles, police uniforms and other equipment. Residents reported mortar rounds landing in residential areas and fighting that lasted over an hour, but casualty figures were not disclosed. The camp had previously been occupied by troops who had pledged allegiance to Mogadishu after formerly aligning with Puntland authorities.