A civilian has died after being struck by gunfire during a police operation in Bosaso, the commercial capital of Somalia’s Puntland State, according to local residents and medical sources.
The incident occurred in the If iyo Aakhiro neighborhood, where police officers from Bari region were reportedly carrying out an operation to arrest a suspect wanted by Puntland’s judicial authorities.
Witnesses said the officers were acting on a court-issued arrest warrant authorizing the detention of the suspect. However, tensions reportedly escalated when police attempted to carry out the arrest, leading to a confrontation and confusion at the scene.
According to eyewitness accounts, security personnel opened fire during the disturbance, and a civilian who was nearby was struck by the gunfire.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, and it is not yet known whether the victim was directly involved in the incident or was an unintended bystander.
The injured civilian was rushed to Bosaso General Hospital for treatment. Despite efforts by medical staff, the victim later died from the injuries sustained in the shooting, according to health officials familiar with the case.
The incident has raised concerns among residents and renewed calls for greater caution during security operations conducted in densely populated residential areas.
Community members have urged authorities to establish the circumstances that led to the use of live ammunition and to ensure accountability if any misconduct occurred.
As of now, Puntland security authorities have not issued an official statement detailing the events that led to the shooting, the justification for the use of force, or whether an investigation has been launched into the actions of the officers involved.
The death comes at a time when Puntland security forces continue to conduct law enforcement operations aimed at apprehending criminal suspects and maintaining security in Bosaso, one of the region’s most important economic and commercial centers.
Residents are awaiting clarification from security agencies regarding the incident and any measures that may be taken following the death of the civilian, whose killing has sparked concern within the local community.