Bosaso, Puntland (Dawan Africa) – A senior official in the Federal Government of Somalia has confirmed to Dawan Africa that the weapons and armored vehicles aboard a Turkish-flagged vessel intercepted off the Puntland coast belong to the Somali government.
The official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, clarified: “The cargo was government-owned, but transported via a privately-operated commercial ship.”
The Turkish vessel reportedly suffered a technical failure while navigating Somali waters, prompting intervention by Puntland’s maritime police. Officers boarded the ship and recorded video clips showing armored personnel carriers (APCs) marked with the Turkish flag—images which have since circulated widely on social media.
According to a regional security source, discussions are underway about towing the vessel to a port in Puntland. The same source indicated the ship was likely headed for Mogadishu, where Turkey operates a major military training facility and has expanded its military presence in recent months.
Uncertainty remains over whether the equipment is intended for Turkish personnel stationed in Somalia or for Somali forces trained by Turkey.
At a recent East African Defence Ministers’ meeting, Somalia’s Minister of Defence was questioned by reporters about the incident but declined to comment.
The revelation that the arms were government-owned but shipped secretly via a commercial channel has fueled speculation around transparency and coordination between federal and regional authorities. Puntland has not yet issued an official statement.
