Bosaso (Dawan Africa) – The Puntland regional government has officially confirmed that its maritime security forces intercepted a ship carrying weapons, which reportedly drifted toward the Bareeda coast in Bari region after encountering strong ocean winds.
The confirmation came after Puntland’s Minister of Information, Mahmoud Aydid Dirir, posted a statement on his Facebook page, noting that the vessel is now under secure control and under investigation.
“A ship carrying weapons that had drifted due to strong sea winds toward the Bareeda coast of Puntland was intercepted by our security forces. Its safety is ensured, and investigations are ongoing. We will share updates with the media,” Minister Dirir wrote.
According to security sources, the vessel experienced a technical failure while navigating Somali waters, forcing it to halt near Puntland’s shoreline. Images and videos captured from the scene show armored vehicles marked with the Turkish flag, sparking widespread speculation about the vessel’s intended destination.
A senior federal official, speaking to Dawan on condition of anonymity, had earlier confirmed that the arms cargo belongs to the Federal Government of Somalia, though it was being transported aboard a privately operated commercial ship. However, no further explanation has been provided—neither from the Turkish government nor Somalia’s Ministry of Defence—regarding why the shipment was moved via commercial channels or who the end recipients were.
