Las Anod (KAAB TV) – The newly declared Northeastern Regional State has accused the Puntland administration of launching a military assault on the Bo’ame district in the Sool region, marking a new escalation in the simmering political and territorial dispute between the two entities in northern Somalia.
In a statement released on Friday, officials from the Northeastern administration claimed that fighting erupted in Bo’ame on Friday afternoon after Puntland forces allegedly carried out an attack on positions controlled by local security units loyal to the new regional authority.
The statement said several people were injured during the confrontation, though it did not specify the number of casualties.
Bo’ame District Commissioner Mahdi Rashaad condemned the alleged assault, accusing Puntland of “trying to create insecurity and chaos in the district” to undermine the Northeastern administration’s efforts to establish governance structures in the area.
“This attack is an attempt to destabilize the district and disrupt peace among local communities,” Rashaad said in the statement. “Our forces acted in self-defense to protect the residents of Boocame.”
The Puntland government, based in Garowe, has not yet issued an official response to the accusations. However, officials in Garowe have previously rejected the legitimacy of the newly formed Northeastern administration, calling it an unconstitutional entity that threatens Puntland’s territorial integrity.
Boocame, located approximately 70 kilometers east of Garowe, has become a focal point in the growing rivalry between Puntland and the Northeastern administration. The town holds strategic importance due to its location along key transport routes linking the Sool and Nugaal regions.
Puntland’s Vice President Ilyas Lugatoor, who hails from Boocame, has repeatedly stated that the district remains an integral part of Puntland.
Conversely, leaders of the Northeastern administration insist that Boocame falls under their jurisdiction, arguing that Puntland has failed to adequately represent or develop parts of the Sool and eastern Nugaal regions.
The political friction dates back several months, following the Northeastern administration’s announcement of its formation amid growing dissatisfaction with Puntland’s leadership and governance.
Puntland authorities have dismissed the breakaway initiative as illegitimate, while local leaders in the newly declared state have vowed to continue establishing administrative offices and local councils.
Boocame has also been a flashpoint in previous disputes. During Puntland’s preparations for the one-person, one-vote local elections, the region saw political unrest after Puntland’s electoral commission reportedly suspended voter registration in parts of Sool, including Boocame, due to security concerns and local opposition.
Analysts warn that the latest confrontation could further destabilize the already volatile Sool region, which has witnessed recurrent conflicts over administrative boundaries and clan-based political divisions.
The situation remains tense, and residents have expressed fears that renewed clashes could displace civilians and disrupt fragile peace efforts in the region.
As of Friday evening, local sources reported sporadic gunfire but said the area had calmed by nightfall, with both sides maintaining defensive positions around the town.
The Federal Government of Somalia has not yet commented on the incident, though calls are growing for Mogadishu to intervene diplomatically to prevent further escalation between the rival administrations.