Puntland forces detain over 100 Somali federal troops in Galkayo

Puntland State security forces have detained approximately 100 to 160 soldiers and officers from Somalia’s federal government in Galkayo. The interception occurred on Monday when Puntland forces stopped two military convoys traveling through northern Galkayo.

The troops, reportedly newly recruited soldiers from the southern Mudug region, were traveling from Galmudug toward the Hananbuure military academy in the Galgaduud region. While the exact circumstances of the interception remain unverified, local officials suggested the vehicles may have veered off their intended route and entered Puntland-administered territory.

This incident occurs amid escalating political and military tensions between the Puntland State administration and the federal government in Mogadishu. The movement and deployment of military units have become a central point of contention in the ongoing dispute between the two entities.