By HAN News Desk
LASANOD — Authorities in Northeastern Somalia accused the Puntland administration of carrying out a military attack on Boocame, a town in the disputed Sool region, escalating tensions in an area long contested by Puntland and Somaliland.
A statement from Northeastern Somalia officials said that a clash took place on Thursday afternoon, resulting in several injuries. The statement alleged that the forces responsible were under the command of the Puntland presidency and described the attack as unprovoked, targeting the residents of Boocame.
Local residents reported hearing heavy gunfire in and around the town, and some families reportedly fled their homes in fear of further violence. Humanitarian organizations operating in the area have yet to confirm the number of casualties or the extent of the damage caused by the clash.
The Sool region has long been a flashpoint due to ongoing territorial disputes. Puntland, an autonomous state in northeastern Somalia, claims authority over parts of the region, while the newly established Northeast administration also asserts control over parts of Sool. Analysts say such disputes have frequently led to armed clashes, displacement of civilians, and disruption of local governance and development.
Security analysts have warned that the latest incident could further destabilize the region. Political analyst Dr. Abdirahman Yusuf said: “The Boocame clash highlights how fragile security remains in Sool. Continued confrontations risk escalating into wider conflict between Puntland forces and those aligned with the Northeast administration, with serious consequences for local communities.”
No official statement has been issued by the Puntland administration regarding the allegations. The lack of a response has increased uncertainty about the situation and raised concerns over a potential escalation in the coming days.
Regional security experts also warned that renewed clashes in Sool could hinder broader efforts to promote stability in northeastern Somalia and disrupt humanitarian operations in areas affected by conflict and displacement.
