GAROWE (KAAB TV) – Diplomats from the Turkish Embassy in Mogadishu have been in active communication with both the Federal Government of Somalia and the Puntland regional administration following the seizure of a vessel by Puntland maritime forces.
The vessel in question, sailing under the Comoros flag, departed from Turkey accompanied by a military escort and was scheduled to arrive at Mogadishu Port on the 21st of this month. However, the ship was intercepted and detained by Puntland forces off the region’s coast under circumstances that have not yet been fully clarified.
According to sources, Turkey has expressed growing concern regarding the safety and well-being of the ship’s crew, as well as the status of the cargo on board. Turkish diplomats have reportedly engaged in urgent discussions aimed at resolving the issue and ensuring the secure release and delivery of the vessel.
As of the latest developments, an agreement has reportedly been reached allowing the ship to dock at the Port of Bosaso, located in Puntland’s Bari region. The ship is expected to be presented and inspected there.
Despite the diplomatic efforts and growing international attention, Somalia’s Federal Government has not issued an official statement regarding the situation. When asked for comment, Somalia’s Minister of Defense declined to provide further details.
This incident comes at a sensitive time in Somali-Turkish relations, which have seen growing military and economic cooperation in recent years. The nature of the cargo aboard the vessel, as well as the reason for its seizure by Puntland forces, remains unclear.
Further updates are expected as the situation develops.