Puntland Absorbs Forces Linked to Political Figure

Garowe (WDN) — Puntland authorities have formally taken control of a group of security personnel previously aligned with Puntland politician Mohamud Mashruuc, in what officials and political observers describe as another step toward consolidating the region’s security institutions under a unified state command.

A representative speaking on behalf of the forces confirmed that an agreement had been reached with the Puntland administration, paving the way for the personnel to be formally integrated into Puntland’s security structures.

The forces had previously been associated with Mashruuc, a Puntland political figure who, according to local reports, had been receiving a assistance the Federal Government of Somalia despite being from Puntland.

The development follows an earlier incident in which Puntland authorities prevented Mashruuc from entering Garowe after he traveled from Carmo toward the regional capital. His movement, and the presence of personnel associated with him, had become part of a wider dispute over the role of politically affiliated security forces operating within Puntland.