GAROWE (Kaab TV) – Soldiers from Puntland’s paramilitary support forces staged a mutiny on Sunday morning at the 54th Military Command base on the outskirts of Garowe, where training activities had reportedly been taking place in recent months.
Preliminary reports indicate that the troops are protesting issues related to what they describe as the violation of their rights and unfair treatment within the force.
The soldiers were recently said to have received newly distributed weapons as part of efforts to equip and integrate them into Puntland’s security forces.
Security sources told Kaab TV that the mutinying troops temporarily restricted movement in and out of the military camp, making access to the base difficult for both personnel and civilians.
Witnesses also reported hearing sporadic gunfire from inside the compound, although there have been no confirmed reports of casualties resulting from the unrest.
The Puntland administration has not yet officially commented on the mutiny or the grievances raised by the soldiers.
Meanwhile, various reports suggest that mediation efforts and negotiations are underway in an attempt to calm tensions and address the complaints of the forces involved before the situation escalates further.