Somalia: Somalia Says It Is Aware of Military Operations Off Puntland Coast
[Shabelle] Mogadishu, Somalia -- Somalia's federal government is aware of military operations and shelling off the coast of Puntland, the state minister for defence said Saturday, amid growing concern over attacks linked to a resurgence of piracy.
Mogadishu, Somalia — The federal government of Somalia is aware of ongoing military operations and shelling occurring off the coast of Puntland, according to state minister for defence Omar Ali Abdi. Abdi stated that if such operations are taking place against pirate groups off Somalia's coast, the federal government is legally responsible for authorising the actions.
He further disclosed that a comprehensive report on the incidents would be submitted, though he did not specify the forces involved. This comes after Puntland authorities demanded explanations regarding shelling they said was conducted by unidentified international warships on August 18 and 20. The Puntland Ministry of Security and Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration expressed particular concern over the impact on civilians in the Garmaal area, near coastal locations where pirate-held vessels are reportedly being held.
The ministry warned that such military operations could harm innocent civilians and undermine cooperation between Puntland security agencies and international partners combating maritime crime.
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