By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Somalia, 5 August 2026 – Puntland on Tuesday accused Somalia's federal government of escalating tensions in the central city of Galkayo, alleging that it had deployed arms and troops to Galmudug-administered areas bordering Puntland.
In a statement, Puntland alleged that the federal government had sent additional arms to Galkayo on Tuesday in what it described as an attempt to attack Puntland, but said the weapons instead triggered clashes that resulted in casualties within Galmudug.
Puntland commended the Galmudug administration, its security forces and residents for resisting attempts to destabilise the area, and called for the removal of the alleged federal arms and troops from locations near Puntland.
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The regional administration said Puntland and Galmudug had maintained a longstanding relationship based on peaceful coexistence, cooperation and shared responsibility for security and stability in the areas they administer.
Puntland also accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of seeking to fuel conflict in the Mudug region, particularly in Galkayo, warning that any deterioration in security resulting from such actions would be his responsibility.
Puntland urged residents to remain vigilant and to support efforts aimed at safeguarding security, stability and state institutions in the region.