By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU — Forces from Puntland’s paramilitary units have reportedly defected to Somalia’s National Armed Forces, according to sources in the northeastern Puntland region.
The development comes days after the federal government announced plans to strengthen, professionalize and unify the Somali National Army as part of broader security sector reforms.
Sources familiar with the matter said the troops have reached locations where federal military officers are stationed, and are undergoing registration and a new round of military organization. The move is believed to be part of ongoing efforts to integrate various regional and local forces into a unified national army capable of ensuring nationwide security.
Neither the Puntland administration nor the Federal Government of Somalia has issued an official statement confirming the number of troops involved or providing detailed information about the reported defection. However, the reports have sparked public debate and political analysis over the future of national security and the relationship between Puntland and the federal government.
The development comes at a time when Somalia continues to face significant security challenges, with the federal government intensifying efforts to strengthen security institutions and unify armed forces operating across different regions of the country.
