BOSSASO (SD) – Fighting resumed on Tuesday afternoon between Puntland Darawish forces and the Puntland Security Force (PSF) in the Laag area, south of Bossaso. The clashes continued until early evening before subsiding, with calm later returning to the areas affected by the fighting.

The latest confrontation follows a Puntland government order stating that no armed force operating outside its command structure will be permitted to remain in its territory. Puntland authorities argue that the PSF is now aligned with the Federal Government of Somalia, a claim that has heightened tensions.

In recent weeks, Puntland has experienced growing security tensions over the presence of forces loyal to the Federal Government in the regions of Nugal, Bari, and Mudug, where new military positions have reportedly been established.

Meanwhile, General Jimale Jama Takar, recently appointed by the Federal Government as commander of the 54th Division in Puntland, arrived at his command headquarters on the outskirts of the Puntland capital. Reports indicate that discussions are underway between Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni and General Jimale, although no formal agreement has yet been reached.

The PSF is a highly trained special operations force originally established with support from U.S.-backed security contractors to conduct counterterrorism operations. Following Puntland’s 2019 presidential election, the force remained outside the direct control of President Deni’s administration, leading to recurring disputes and periodic armed confrontations.

The renewed fighting highlights the deepening power struggle between Puntland and the Federal Government over military authority in the region. Unless ongoing negotiations produce a political settlement, the presence of rival security forces is likely to continue fueling instability and undermining Puntland’s internal security.