Somalia

Puntland forces seize cache of weapons in major security operation

Puntland Maritime Police Forces inspect the seized weapons following an intelligence-led operation on May 18, 2024. (Photo: Handout)

By Yunis Dekow | Sunday, May 19, 2024

The weapons seized by the Puntland Maritime Police Force included AK-47 rifles, handguns, grenades, and other light weapons during the operation on Saturday.

Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) have intercepted a vehicle loaded with weapons and ammunition, apprehending four suspects heading to Bosaso town.

Police suspect the weapons which included AK-47 rifles, handguns, grenades, and other light weapons seized during the operation on Saturday were intended for use by the Islamic State in Somalia, which operates in the mountains of Puntland.

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"These illegal weapons that were in different types of weapons were all handled by the army, and the mission ended with success," read part of a statement from PMPF.

A statement from the command of the PMPF, seen by The Eastleigh Voice, sent a strong warning to all those engaged in the illegal weapons trade and other crimes against Puntland security.

"Those who are caught in the crime will be brought to the law and they will face severe punishment," the statement read.

PMPF was founded in October 2010 in response to the need for anti-piracy forces that can eradicate piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, and the Indian Ocean, as well as fight terrorism.

Part of the weapons seized by the Puntland Maritime Police Force following an intelligence-led operation on May 18, 2024. (Photo: Handout)

In May, PMPF forces conducted operations in the areas and beaches along the Eyl district of the Nugal region to seize weapons and individuals from a network of suspected pirates.

"We also seized a fishing boat belonging to Yemen, which was fishing illegally off the coast of Puntland," the unit said.

The Islamic State in Somalia operates in the mountains of Puntland where police believe the consignment was headed.

ISIS-Somalia is said to engage in extortion of financial institutions, local businesses, and mobile money service providers, exploiting vulnerabilities in Somalia’s institutions to finance its activities, including through mobile money and hawalas.

It was formed in 2014 by a group of disenfranchised al-Shabaab members in northern Somalia. The group adopted the tenets of the Islamic State and attempted to connect with the Islamic State in Syria, including by making unrecognised pledges of allegiance in 2015 and 2016.

It has conducted attacks in northern Somalia's semi-autonomous Puntland State and parts of southern Somalia.

The group uses improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and firearms to target the Somalia government, Western countries, and the African Union Peace Keeping Mission in Somalia.