Puntland state forces take over federal-aligned military base in Armo district

Saturday August 8, 2026

Bosaso (HOL) — Puntland security forces on Saturday took control of a military base in Armo district, in the Bari region, where troops aligned with Somalia’s federal government had been stationed, according to Puntland authorities.

The takeover is the latest in a series of moves by Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni’s administration to bring military facilities and armed forces in the region under the control of Puntland authorities, amid growing tensions with the federal government.

Puntland police said the operation was carried out to strengthen security and restore the authority of the regional administration. The authorities said all armed groups operating in Puntland territory must come under the region’s legal security institutions.

“The Puntland Police Command will continue efforts to strengthen security and protect public order in accordance with the law and the Puntland Constitution,” the police said in a statement.

The base in Armo was previously occupied by forces under the command of the federal government, which Puntland said were formed by politicians aligned with Mogadishu. Puntland forces have now taken full control of the facility, with security tightened in the surrounding area.

The takeover is the third military base that Puntland forces have seized from forces affiliated with the federal government in recent days, according to local officials.

The developments follow a broader campaign by the Puntland administration to consolidate control over security forces in the region. Puntland authorities have also moved against the Puntland Security Force PSF, a counterterrorism unit that had operated independently of the regional government and maintained ties with Somalia’s federal authorities.

Puntland forces seized PSF headquarters in Galkayo and Bosaso earlier this week after clashes with the force. Puntland authorities have described the PSF as an armed group operating outside the region’s official security structure, while the force has historically played a major role in counterterrorism operations against al-Shabab and Islamic State militants.

Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has also ordered forces operating under federal government command inside Puntland to hand over their weapons and military facilities to the regional administration.

The moves have raised concerns about a broader confrontation between Puntland and the federal government, which have been at odds over political, security and constitutional issues.

Puntland authorities have said the operations are intended to restore security and government control, while officials aligned with Mogadishu have accused the regional administration of escalating tensions and targeting forces loyal to the federal government.

Puntland has not publicly provided details about whether the federal-aligned troops stationed in Armo resisted the takeover or where they were relocated.