MUDUG — A group of soldiers from Puntland’s Darawiish forces have reportedly defected and formally joined forces belonging to the Federal Government of Somalia stationed in the Mudug region.
According to local sources, the group consists of approximately 50 soldiers who arrived carrying military vehicles and weapons. The troops are currently based at the Barda-dheere military command post, one of the Federal Government’s security bases in Mudug.
Sources familiar with the development said the soldiers have established contact with the federal forces’ command structure, while security officials have begun assessing and registering the new arrivals.
The reasons behind the soldiers’ decision to leave the Puntland Darawiish forces remain unclear, and neither the Puntland administration nor the Federal Government of Somalia has issued an official statement regarding the reported defection.
The development comes amid ongoing security movements and discussions over military restructuring, coordination of security forces, and efforts to strengthen Somalia’s national security institutions.
The Federal Government has in recent years continued efforts to integrate regional forces into a unified national security structure as part of broader security sector reforms.
If confirmed, the reported defection could have political and security implications for Mudug, a strategically important region where relations between the Federal Government and Puntland authorities have at times been marked by disagreements over governance, security responsibilities and military arrangements.
Further details are expected as authorities respond to the reported movement of the troops.
