Puntland security forces have seized weapons including drones used for self-defense, which have not been seen before in the country.
The security forces also arrested seven people who are believed to be linked to al-Shabab or Daesh, after searching a convoy of vehicles traveling between Garowe and Galkayo.
According to local media citing sources in the security forces, Puntland has taken control of five drones, which can change the tactics of groups fighting in the region, such as al-Shabab or Daesh.
Captured aircraft commonly used in Yemen and other areas of modern warfare have the ability to evade radar, launch destructive strikes, and target specific targets.
“These individuals were arrested after military intelligence provided important information about their activities,” said a senior Puntland security official, who asked not to be named. The official confirmed that the planes and the suspects are now in the hands of the Puntland security forces.
An analysis by a weapons expert suggested that the seized aircraft were manufactured using commercially available materials. The lightweight structure and off-the-shelf components indicate that the aircraft were locally modified to carry explosives.
According to the Puntland official, it is believed that the planes were smuggled into the open borders of the busy port of Bosaso, possibly headed for central Somalia. The planes, which are capable of spying on targets before carrying out bombing attacks, are new and have not been used in conflict zones. However, military versions of these planes have already been used in regions such as Ukraine and Yemen.
These planes, also known as “self-exploding planes”, are small, slow-flying, and difficult to detect due to their high altitude, which can affect the situation on the ground in Somalia.
Security analysts warn that their ability to carry out deadly attacks targeting key locations makes them particularly attractive to militant groups such as Al-Shabaab, who can use them to target government facilities. military convoys, or even civilian areas without warning.
Puntland security forces are investigating the incident, which could have wide-ranging implications for regional security. The arrest comes amid fears of growing ties between Al-Shabaab and Yemen’s Houthi rebels, which could increase power. Somali rebel group.
U.S. intelligence recently said there are talks between the Houthis—who have previously targeted U.S. and commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden—and Al-Shabaab to provide them with more advanced weapons than they currently have, including drones.
The Puntland administration has increased security measures in Garowe, recently carrying out traffic screening operations, and the working hours of security agencies have been increased. This action was followed by the news that al-Shabab has entered some areas of Puntland and tens of al-Shabab have been killed in operations.
