Puntland defends seizure of controversial MV Sea World at Bosaso Port
In a statement, Puntland said it is verifying the cargo's owners to ensure that the military equipment does not fall into the hands of those who might threaten Somalia's security and stability.
Somalia's Puntland State has defended its move to detain MV Sea World, a controversial ship ferrying weapons, at its Bosaso Port.
In a statement, Puntland said it is verifying the cargo's owners to ensure that the military equipment does not fall into the hands of those who might threaten Somalia's security and stability.
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"On July 18, 2025, the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) apprehended a ship named MV Sea World. Acting on intelligence regarding a cargo vessel that had been loitering for two days near the Bareda coast of the Ras Asayr region of Puntland, Puntland forces located and boarded the vessel. Although a group of young fishermen had already boarded the ship before the forces' arrival, the Puntland personnel successfully took control of the vessel and secured its cargo, preventing it from falling into the hands of unauthorised parties," Puntland said.
Puntland explained that Somali traders based in Mogadishu contacted the state, claiming ownership of the cargo and requesting the vessel's immediate release. It added that the Turkish Ambassador to Somalia, Alper Aktaş, also reached out after reports emerged indicating that the ship's cargo belonged to Turkiyè.
"In light of these claims, Puntland authorities decided to bring MV Sea World to the Bosaso Port for further inspection," the state clarified on Thursday.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Federal Government of Somalia said the ship was en route to Mogadishu Port, transporting military equipment destined for the Turksom Military Training Centre, per the bilateral defence cooperation agreement with the Republic of Turkiyè.
The Federal Government further asserted that the ship was carrying weapons and other goods to Mogadishu and warned that its "hijacking" constitutes an act of "piracy".
"As the custodian of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia, we will not accept any action that endangers the sovereignty of the nation or the security of its waters," it said.
In response, Puntland said its inspection showed that the entire cargo aboard MV Sea World consists solely of military equipment and contains no commercial goods.
It added that the cargo has been claimed by two entities already and that the Federal Government has yet to contact it on the matter, leaving it unclear as to the real ownership of the cargo.
"The Puntland continues its investigation into the vessel and the rightful ownership of its cargo to ensure that the military equipment does not fall into the hands of those who might threaten Somalia's security and stability. Puntland welcomes the involvement of both the Federal Government of Somalia and the Government of Turkiye in completing this investigation," said Puntland.
"The vessel, MV Sea World, escorted by Puntland Maritime Police Force, docked this afternoon at the Port of Bosaso. An investigation is underway into the ship and the weapons it is carrying," Jama Deperani, the Spokesperson of Puntland's State House, said on Saturday.
Mogadishu, however, called for the immediate and unconditional release of the ship, warning that it could take action against maritime zones and coastal landing sites that "serve as hubs for acts of piracy, in violation of both national and international laws".
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