Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has reportedly rejected an offer of military and logistical support from Somalia’s federal government to assist in operations against Daesh militants in the northeastern region. Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi stated that Mogadishu had proposed supplying weapons, medical aid, and reinforcements to Puntland’s counterterrorism efforts, but Deni’s administration turned down the assistance.
“The Somali government extended its hand to Puntland, offering medical evacuations and additional military support, but President Deni categorically declined,” Fiqi said in a press briefing, adding that repeated attempts to coordinate efforts had been unsuccessful.
Puntland authorities have long accused the federal government of failing to support its fight against Daesh , particularly in the rugged Cal Miskaad mountains of the Bari region, where militants have established a base. Puntland forces have been engaged in Operation Hilaac since November 2024, reclaiming approximately 250 square kilometers of territory, dismantling 50 militant bases, and capturing key Daesh operatives involved in extortion and bombings in Bosaso.
Despite these military advances, Puntland officials argue that Mogadishu has not provided critical support, including weapons and ammunition, to aid troops in their battle against Daesh . However, the federal government has denied these claims, asserting that it has consistently backed security efforts across all Somali regions.
This dispute is part of a broader rift between Puntland and Somalia’s federal government, which has intensified in recent years. In April 2024, Puntland declared that it would function independently from Mogadishu until Somalia’s constitution was revised and ratified through a national referendum. The region has accused the federal government of undermining its autonomy and has resisted federal intervention in security, economic, and governance matters.
Beyond military cooperation, Puntland and Mogadishu have also clashed over economic policies and resource control. Puntland has announced plans to introduce its own regional currency by 2025, citing dissatisfaction with the Somali shilling’s volatility. Additionally, disagreements over oil exploration rights have further strained relations, with Puntland rejecting federal claims over resource management.
Deni has not publicly commented on Fiqi’s remarks, but Puntland has historically been cautious about allowing federal involvement in its security operations. Analysts warn that the lack of coordination between federal and regional forces could weaken Somalia’s broader counterterrorism efforts, potentially allowing militant groups to exploit security gaps.
Daesh, which operates separately from the al-Shabab insurgency, has remained active in Puntland despite ongoing military offensives. The group has been entrenched in the Al Miskaad mountains since pledging allegiance to Daesh in 2015, launching periodic attacks on Puntland security forces and extorting local businesses.
The ongoing tensions between Puntland and Mogadishu raise concerns about the effectiveness of Somalia’s counterterrorism strategy, as regional disputes continue to complicate security efforts across the country.