Heavy fighting involving mortar fire erupted Wednesday in the eastern outskirts of Galkayo, the capital of Somalia’s Mudug region, as clashes intensified between Puntland security forces and fighters affiliated with the Puntland Security Force (PSF), who Puntland alleges are backed by the Federal Government of Somalia.
Residents reported hearing sustained explosions and heavy weapons fire across several neighborhoods of the city, while thick black smoke was seen rising near Abdullahi Yusuf Airport, an area where forces aligned with the Federal Government are reportedly stationed.
Witnesses told local media that several mortar shells landed in the Buulo Doora neighborhood during the early hours of Wednesday morning, sparking panic among residents.
There has been no official confirmation of casualties or damage, and it remains unclear which side fired the shells.
The latest fighting follows violent clashes that erupted a day earlier in southern Galkayo after local clan militias intercepted a convoy transporting weapons and military equipment.
According to local reports, the shipment originated from Mogadishu and was allegedly intended for forces in northern Galkayo.
Puntland has opposed the movement of the weapons, while forces aligned with the Federal Government insist the arms belong to government troops stationed in the area.
The dispute over the transfer of the weapons has become the immediate trigger for the latest escalation, with Puntland seeking to prevent the shipment from reaching areas under its control, while opposing forces have resisted efforts to block the convoy.
The renewed violence has heightened fears of a broader confrontation in Galkayo, a city historically divided between Puntland in the north and Galmudug in the south.
Although years of reconciliation efforts significantly reduced intercommunal violence, recent political disputes between Puntland and the Federal Government have revived tensions and increased the risk of wider instability.
No official statement had been issued by the Federal Government of Somalia, Puntland, or Galmudug regarding Wednesday’s mortar exchanges at the time of publication.
Security analysts warn that unless urgent mediation is undertaken, the fighting could further destabilize the region and threaten the fragile peace that has largely held in Galkayo in recent years.