Somalia: Fierce fighting erupts in Bosaso as Puntland forces clash with PSF troops

MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Fierce fighting erupted in Bosaso on Monday between Puntland Darwish forces and Puntland Security Force (PSF) troops loyal to Somalia’s federal government, marking the sharpest escalation yet in weeks of mounting tensions that observers have feared could spiral into a broader conflict.

The clashes broke out in the Laag area of Bosaso district, where the rival forces had maintained a tense standoff in opposing positions for hours before exchanging heavy weapons, according to Daily Somalia.

The fighting brought traffic to a halt along the route connecting Bosaso with other parts of Somalia, disrupting the movement of vehicles through one of Puntland’s key transport corridors.

There was no immediate information on casualties.

Monday’s confrontation followed weeks of worsening political and security tensions between Puntland and Somalia’s federal government.

Somalia’s Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi recently said that the PSF troops involved in the fighting are part of the Somali federal government forces.

Puntland authorities recently banned the federal government from recruiting new troops in the region and prohibited allied forces from moving between major cities, measures that heightened concerns over the growing risk of armed confrontation.

The standoff further intensified after Puntland authorities blocked Gen. Jimale Takar, who was appointed by the federal government as commander of the Somali National Army sector covering the northern regions, from entering Puntland after traveling to Mogadishu for talks with the federal leadership.

The latest fighting underscores the deepening security rift between Puntland and Mogadishu, with recent developments fueling fears that the dispute could escalate further if tensions remain unresolved.

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