Tensions are escalating between the PSF forces in Puntland and the Mudug regional administration in Galkayo, following security operations conducted by PSF forces in Galkayo city this evening.
The governor of the Mudug region of Puntland, Faysal Sheikh Ali (Jifo Jabsade), said that the PSF forces are not legally based or officially registered in Puntland. He added that any action taken by the forces would be a criminal act.
“If you ever leave your camp again, you will be rounded up. You will see how many artillery pieces and tanks are surrounding you. Galkayo is not the place where you used to cause chaos,” the governor said.
Governor Jifo Jabsade also ordered security forces to take legal action against anyone who interferes with security in Galkayo city, or illegally establishes checkpoints within the city.
However, the PSF has a large military base in the east of Galkayo, where US AFRICOM warplanes occasionally land.
Recently, there have been reports that Puntland forces, registered with the Federal Government of Somalia, are being trained in Galkayo.
Puntland has accused the Somali Police Force Commander, General Asad Diyano—whose family controls the PSF—of conducting illegal military activities inside Puntland.
Reliable reports from informed sources indicate that President Said Deni has sent troops and officers to the city of Galkayo to thwart the plans of those forces in the Mudug region.
