Is an internal security rift emerging in Puntland state?

Mohamed Daud Ismail, Somalia Researcher and Senior Research Assistant for Southeastern Africa, said:

“Internal divisions within Puntland’s security forces are threatening the region’s fight against IS Somalia. Between June and July, ACLED recorded seven armed clashes between forces loyal to Somalia’s federal government and the Puntland administration, diverting attention and resources away from counter-terrorism operations.

“Tensions peaked between 19 and 21 July near Laag and Madar-Jiif, when Puntland Dervish forces intercepted a Puntland Security Force (PSF) convoy, leading to the arrest of 53 personnel and the seizure of eight military vehicles.

“By 25 July, the Puntland government formally disavowed the PSF,  declaring it illegitimate and accusing federal leadership of orchestrating the deployment of government security forces. The Puntland administration also warned neighboring Galmudug state against facilitating similar deployments in Gaalkacyo town.

“This violence stems from long-standing command disputes and friction between sub-clans within the Majeerteen clan. The PSF, historically a United States-backed counter-terrorism unit, has frequently clashed with Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni’s administration. These dynamics allow Mogadishu to exploit existing fault lines between local Bari region commanders and the Garoowe administration.

“Puntland’s warning to Galmudug State against facilitating security deployments in Gaalkacyo town is driven by the severe risk that such deployments could trigger widespread inter-clan conflict. Specifically, the introduction of federal-aligned forces into the area threatens to ignite tensions between Majeerteen sub-clans, which maintain ties with the Puntland administration, and Habar Gedir sub-clans, which are aligned with the Galmudug and federal government. 

“This polarization risks sparking a cycle of proxy violence that would severely destabilize the Mudug region as these kinds of clan grievances often fuel drawn-out campaigns of retribution that complicate local governance. This level of internal fighting also distracts security units from regional security and crucial counter-terrorism operations against IS Somalia, which remains entrenched in the Bari region’s Cal Miskaad and Cal Madow ranges. 

“Furthermore, Puntland’s decision to strip the PSF of its legal status risks deepening institutional fragmentation. This instability threatens to trigger expanded proxy conflicts along vital commercial corridors, such as the Bosaso-Garowe highway, leaving the region increasingly vulnerable to external militant pressure.”