GAROWE, Somalia (Kaab TV) – The Puntland state government has accused Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud—whose term in office it says ended last month—of involvement in funding and mobilising pirate activities in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
The allegation comes amid a reported rise in piracy incidents along Somalia’s coastal and nearby waters in recent months.
Maritime security data indicates that piracy off Somalia’s coast has resurged significantly since late 2023, with coordinated pirate groups operating deeper into the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden.
Authorities report five piracy incidents in 2025 and at least 17 piracy-related incidents so far in 2026.
On Thursday, Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni raised the issue before the regional parliament in Garowe, expressing concern over what he described as a growing security threat linked to piracy activity.
“Puntland is closely monitoring the activities of former President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who is financing and mobilising youthful armed militia in the coastal towns of Hafun, Eyl, and Jariban in Puntland,” Mr. Deni told the Puntland parliament.
The regional president further alleged that the Somali federal government has been recruiting armed militia to destabilise Puntland and neighbouring Somaliland.
Both Somaliland and Puntland remain at odds with the federal government in Mogadishu over political and security matters.
Mr. Deni said Puntland security forces, with support from international and regional partners, were prepared to respond to the renewed piracy threat. He also highlighted ongoing counterterrorism operations in the region, citing previous successes against Islamic State-linked militants.
“We are going to begin the Onkod operation which will target terrorist hideouts in the Cal Madow mountains,” he told lawmakers.
The Puntland leader also claimed that remnants of Al-Shabaab militants remain active in remote mountain areas.
The allegations regarding the federal government’s involvement in piracy have circulated in regional security discussions in recent months.
Security sources in the region have reported that some pirate groups have obtained new weapons and equipment, including boats, GPS devices, and drones, raising concerns among authorities.
Meanwhile, past U.S. intelligence assessments have suggested possible links between Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia and Yemen’s Houthi movement, which is widely regarded as an Iranian-backed proxy.
Somalia has reportedly held discreet discussions with Iran in recent years, with intelligence officials allegedly exploring drone capabilities. Reports have also indicated attempts by Al-Shabaab to acquire Iranian drone technology through intermediaries in Yemen.
A United Nations Security Council report last year said Al-Shabaab had sent around 30 fighters to Yemen for training, including instruction on drone use in urban warfare.
The Federal Government in Mogadishu has not yet responded to the accusations made by Puntland authorities.