GALKAYO — Puntland authorities have released several soldiers detained earlier in Galkayo after Puntland officials identified them as members of Somalia’s Federal Government forces.
Puntland officials said the soldiers had entered the northern section of the city, which falls under Puntland’s administration. The personnel were later transferred to representatives of the Galmudug administration, according to officials familiar with the incident.
Officials from both Puntland and Galmudug said the soldiers were subsequently released following discussions between the two administrations. No further action against the personnel was reported.
The incident comes as political and security disagreements continue between Puntland and the Federal Government of Somalia. Among the issues at the center of tensions are questions concerning the deployment and jurisdiction of security forces.
Galkayo is administratively divided between Puntland and Galmudug, with each administration controlling a separate part of the city. The arrangement has made security coordination and the movement of military personnel particularly sensitive.
The latest incident ended with the soldiers’ release, according to officials from the two administrations. No casualties or armed confrontation were reported in connection with the detention.
