Garoowe May 16, 2023 (SD) – Armed militias ambushed a convoy carrying TPEC election materials to Sanaag, Bari, Karkar, and Gardafuu.

The Puntland Minister of Interior, Abdi Farah Juha, spoke about the conflict which took place in the outskirts of the capital, Garowe, and criticized the federal government of Somalia for the clashes.

Minister Juha stated that armed forces from Puntland, under the command of Puntland’s election Commission, clashed with militias stationed at Khadar Faroole’s farm in Garowe.

These clashes in Garowe resulted in significant disruptions. Today, a UN in Garoowe was cancelled as a result of the clashes.

The Garowe’s airports was closed today over the clashing militias, and it is reported that there will be no flights for the foreseeable future.

The Puntland political forum, comprising opposition politicians, has previously warned that if the Puntland election is not resolved peacefully, it could lead to political conflict and a deteriorating situation.