GAROWE (SD) – Puntland authorities have announced that the Puntland Defense Forces have officially taken control of all facilities and camps previously used by the Federal aligned Puntland Security Force (PSF) in Bossaso and Galkayo, marking a significant development in the administration’s ongoing security restructuring.

In a statement, the Puntland Police Force said the facilities are now under the authority of the Puntland Defense Forces, describing the operation as necessary to safeguard public security and protect government property.

Authorities said the operation resulted in the seizure of weapons, ammunition, military vehicles, and other equipment. Puntland also claimed that some of the recovered items—including police uniforms, handcuffs, boots, and other supplies—were part of equipment previously donated by the Chinese government to the Somali Police Force.

The announcement follows the reported peaceful withdrawal of PSF personnel from their bases in Bossaso and Galkayo, with no clashes or violence reported during the handover.

Established in 2002, the PSF has long been regarded as one of Puntland’s most capable counterterrorism units, playing a leading role in operations against Al-Shabaab and ISIS, particularly in the Cal Madow and Cal Miskad mountain ranges.

In recent years, however, disputes have emerged over the force’s command structure and its relationship with the Federal Government of Somalia, contributing to growing political and security tensions between Puntland and Mogadishu.

Puntland’s takeover of PSF facilities represents one of the most consequential security developments in the region in recent years. By bringing the bases under direct control of the Puntland Defense Forces, the administration is consolidating authority over armed formations operating within its territory and reinforcing its position that all security forces should answer to Puntland’s command.

The peaceful nature of the handover avoided immediate bloodshed, but the underlying political dispute remains unresolved. Questions over the future status of PSF personnel, command arrangements, and relations with the Federal Government are likely to continue, particularly given Puntland’s longstanding objections to what it views as federal interference in its security affairs.

The reported recovery of equipment allegedly donated to the Somali Police Force also adds a new dimension to the dispute, potentially fueling further disagreement between Puntland and Mogadishu over the ownership and distribution of security assets. How both sides manage the aftermath of this takeover will be an important indicator of whether tensions continue to escalate or move toward a negotiated settlement.