BOSASO — Puntland security forces have taken full control of a major Puntland Security Force (PSF) base in the coastal city of Bosaso after reaching an agreement with PSF officers stationed at the facility, marking a significant development in the long-running security dispute surrounding the elite force.
The handover took place on Thursday morning after negotiations between Puntland authorities and PSF commanders resulted in an agreement allowing Puntland forces to enter and assume responsibility for the compound. Local sources said the transition occurred without major confrontation, with PSF personnel at the base accepting the new security arrangements.
The facility was among the most important PSF installations in Puntland and had served as a key operational center for specialized security units involved in counterterrorism and intelligence operations in the region.
The takeover follows an order issued by Puntland authorities requiring all armed personnel operating outside the official security institutions of the administration to surrender within 48 hours and come under the command of Puntland’s recognized security structures.
Puntland officials said the decision was aimed at strengthening security coordination, ending parallel chains of command, and ensuring that all armed forces in the region operate under a unified command system. They described the move as necessary to protect stability and reinforce the authority of state institutions.
The PSF, established as an elite security unit focused primarily on counterterrorism operations, has played a significant role in Puntland’s fight against extremist groups, particularly in mountainous areas where militants linked to Al-Shabaab and Islamic State-affiliated factions have maintained a presence.
However, the force became involved in political and administrative tensions after disagreements emerged between its leadership and Puntland authorities over command, funding, and control. Those tensions previously led to armed standoffs in Bosaso and raised concerns about divisions within Puntland’s security apparatus.
The latest agreement appears to represent an attempt to resolve the dispute through dialogue and integrate security forces under Puntland’s administration.
The development comes amid broader efforts by Puntland authorities to reorganize security institutions and strengthen internal stability as the region continues to face threats from extremist groups and other security challenges.
As of Thursday, neither the Federal Government of Somalia nor senior former PSF officials had issued detailed public statements regarding the transfer of control of the Bosaso base. Further clarification is expected as authorities continue implementing the new security arrangements.
