Somali Government Says It Has Information on Reported Strikes Off Puntland Coast
Somalia’s federal government says it is investigating reported strikes off Puntland after the regional administration accused international warships of targeting fishermen and their property.
MOGADISHU, Somalia (Somali Report) — Somalia's federal government said Saturday it had information about reported airstrikes off the coast of Puntland and was preparing a comprehensive report on the incidents, after the regional administration accused international warships of attacking fishermen.
State Minister for Defence Omar Ali Abdi told reporters that the federal government was aware of the reported strikes and stressed that Mogadishu had the legal authority to decide on military operations against piracy in Somali coastal waters.
"If military operations are taking place along Somalia's coast against pirate groups, the federal government is the institution legally responsible for making decisions on such matters," Abdi said.
He did not identify the forces allegedly responsible for the strikes or provide details about the weapons used, the targets or the extent of any damage.
Abdi said the government was collecting information about the incidents and would take measures in response to the developments.
"A comprehensive report will be issued, God willing," he said.
His comments came after Puntland authorities condemned what they described as strikes by international warships on August 18 and 20 in the Garmaal area along the region's coastline.
Puntland said the attacks had targeted fishermen and their property, raising concerns about the potential consequences of military operations near coastal areas where vessels seized by pirates are reportedly being held.
The regional administration said such operations could put civilians at risk and disrupt the livelihoods of fishing communities that depend on the sea for their income.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and there has been no immediate confirmation from an international military force that it carried out the reported strikes.
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It was also unclear whether the reported operations were specifically aimed at combating piracy or were part of a wider maritime security mission.
Somalia's lengthy coastline has historically been a major area of concern for international shipping because of piracy and other maritime security threats. International naval forces have previously operated in waters around Somalia to protect commercial vessels and counter piracy.
The latest reports come as Somalia seeks to strengthen its control over national security and maritime affairs while continuing to cooperate with international partners.
Federal officials have repeatedly stressed that foreign military operations in Somali territory and territorial waters should be coordinated with the national government and conducted with respect for Somalia's sovereignty.
The issue also risks adding to longstanding tensions between Mogadishu and Puntland, which maintains substantial autonomy and has frequently disagreed with the federal government over political, constitutional and security matters.
Puntland has its own security forces and has asserted authority over security operations within areas under its administration, while the federal government maintains that national security and foreign military activities fall within its constitutional responsibilities.
The federal government's planned report could shed further light on the circumstances surrounding the reported strikes and determine whether any action will be taken.
For now, the identity of the forces involved, the exact nature of the operations, and the extent of any damage remain unclear.
The developments highlight the delicate balance between international efforts to combat piracy and Somalia's insistence on maintaining sovereignty over its territorial waters.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.