By Horn Africa News
A severe political standoff has erupted between Somalia’s Federal Government and the semi-autonomous Puntland administration after Puntland forces seized a cargo ship, Sea World, off its coast, alleging it was carrying unauthorized military equipment.
The vessel, registered in Comoros and reportedly loaded with arms from Turkey, was intercepted on July 18. Puntland authorities claim the ship was anchored unusually close to the shore for two days, raising suspicions that led to its capture based on what they described as “credible intelligence” about illegal weapons on board.
Somalia’s Federal Government broke its silence on the matter on Wednesday, July 23, harshly condemning the seizure as an “illegal act of aggression” and labeling it a “hijacking.” In a strongly worded statement, the government demanded the “unconditional release” of the ship and its cargo.
In response, Puntland issued a statement on July 24, stating that the incident had “cast serious doubts” over the true ownership and destination of the military cargo. Images circulating on social media showed armored vehicles and various military gear aboard the vessel.
While the Federal Government maintains that the weapons were part of a legal shipment destined for the TURKSOM military training center in Mogadishu, operated by the Turkish government, Puntland officials claim they are investigating reports that some of the arms—specifically light weapons such as pistols and rifles—were looted by civilians after the ship was brought ashore.
Puntland authorities expressed concern that such military equipment could fall into the wrong hands, potentially threatening the fragile peace and stability in Somalia. “Puntland continues its investigation to verify the real ownership of the weapons and to ensure they are not used by parties that could harm Somalia’s security,” a regional spokesperson said.
The incident has further strained the already deteriorating relationship between Puntland and the central government, with political analysts warning that the standoff has deep political undercurrents that could escalate tensions in the region.
