GAROWE (SD) – An armed confrontation was reported on Friday at the eastern checkpoint of Garowe, involving Puntland police forces and armed guards accompanying opposition politicians.

According to local residents and security sources, Puntland security personnel reportedly stopped a convoy carrying opposition figures and their security escorts who were traveling from
Bosaso and Carmo toward Garowe. Witnesses said an argument at the checkpoint escalated into an exchange of gunfire.

Residents living near the area reported hearing heavy gunfire and said the fighting caused panic among civilians. One resident claimed that a projectile struck his home and entered a room where children had been sleeping.

Witnesses said the clash lasted for a relatively short period before security forces regained control of the checkpoint area.

As of Friday evening, the Puntland administration had not issued an official statement regarding the incident, and there has been no confirmed information on casualties or injuries.

The confrontation comes amid rising political tensions in Puntland, where authorities recently issued orders restricting the carrying of weapons by non-state and unofficial security forces. Analysts say the latest incident is likely to increase concerns about security and political stability in the regional administration.

The reported clash highlights the growing strain between Puntland authorities and opposition groups during a sensitive political period. The recent crackdown on unofficial armed escorts appears to be a key factor behind the confrontation. While the incident was reportedly contained quickly, it underscores the risk that political disputes in Puntland could increasingly take on a security dimension if tensions continue to rise.