GALKAYO — Puntland and Galmudug officials have reportedly held discussions over the release of troops and two military vehicles detained in Galkayo, following a security incident that has heightened tensions between the two administrations.
Puntland security forces reportedly detained the personnel and vehicles after they entered the northern part of Galkayo, an area administered by Puntland. The troops were reportedly travelling from the Galmudug side toward a military training facility in Galgaduud.
According to reports emerging from the discussions, Puntland has informed Galmudug that it is prepared to release and hand over the detained personnel and the two vehicles.
However, Puntland has reportedly requested that no video be recorded or published during the handover process to document the return of the troops and vehicles.
The reported request comes after images and videos of the detained personnel and vehicles circulated on social media following the incident.
The circumstances surrounding the movement of the troops remain disputed. Some accounts indicate that the group may have entered the Puntland-administered side of Galkayo unintentionally while travelling toward their destination.
The incident has raised concerns because Galkayo is divided between Puntland and Galmudug, making the movement of military personnel and vehicles across the administrative boundary particularly sensitive.
The reported talks between the two sides are aimed at preventing the incident from developing into a wider political or security confrontation.
Puntland and Galmudug have previously faced disagreements over security arrangements, political authority and the movement of forces in central Somalia.
The latest incident has once again highlighted the need for coordination between the two administrations, particularly when military personnel and vehicles are moving through areas where administrative control is divided.
If the reported handover proceeds peacefully, it could help reduce tensions and prevent further escalation.
Neither Puntland nor Galmudug has publicly confirmed all details of the reported agreement or the conditions surrounding the handover.
Further developments are expected as both sides work to resolve the issue.
