Puntland authorities have officially confirmed for the first time that their administration has purchased fighter jets.
Puntland Information Minister, Mahmoud Aydiid Dirir, in an interview with the BBC Somali Service, confirmed the news.
The information minister said the planes include fighter jets and ambulances, noting that they are part of the administration’s efforts to strengthen the capabilities of the Puntland military.
“Fighter jets, bombers, as well as helicopters for emergency assistance have been brought in,” said Minister Mahmoud Aydiid.
The information minister continued by saying that Puntland has the financial capacity to purchase aircraft and has not consulted anyone else about this.
However, the minister did not disclose the official number of aircraft purchased, but noted that the aircraft operations are part of a larger operation against ISIS, which he said has been ongoing since January this year.
The Minister of Information also clarified that Puntland carried out these operations on its own, without receiving domestic support.
He said that there is international support, including from the United States and the United Arab Emirates, which have helped Puntland in its fight against ISIS.