MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) — A war of words has erupted between Puntland and Somalia’s federal government over a ship carrying military equipment that was intercepted off the coast of Bari region last week.
The Comoros-flagged M.V. Sea World was seized by Puntland Marine Police on 18 July while stationed near the coastal town of Bareeda.
Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, accused Puntland authorities of unlawfully seizing a legally sailing vessel, claiming it as a “war bounty.”
Speaking at a public event in Mogadishu, Fiqi denounced Puntland’s leadership, describing them as “stooges” serving foreign interests.
“A man who intercepted a lawfully operating vessel and declare it a war prize is a shame,” said Fiqi, asserting that the ship belonged to the Turkish government and was on a legitimate mission.
Responding Friday night at a separate event in Garowe, Puntland’s Minister of Information, Mahmoud Aidid Dirir, dismissed the federal government’s claims as contradictory and misleading.
Dirir said the ship, flying the Comoros flag, had turned off its communication systems and remained off the coast of Bareeda for four days before being intercepted.
“The vessel was just two nautical miles from Bareeda and had disabled its communication—what was it doing there?” Dirir asked, raising suspicions about the ship’s intent in an area where Puntland is engaged in counterterrorism operations.
“We don’t know if it was delivering weapons? We don’t know if it was bringing in terrorists?” the minister added.
The M.V. Sea World remains docked at the port of Bosaso. Authorities in Puntland say an investigation is underway into the contents of the vessel, which reportedly include armored vehicles and various types of weapons.
The Puntland administration maintains that under its regional constitution, it has jurisdiction over its territorial waters up to 12 nautical miles and reserves the right to protect itself from potential security threats.