Bookh, Somalia – September 19, 2024 A convoy carrying military supplies, including ammunition, light firearms, and…
Bookh, Somalia – September 19, 2024
A convoy carrying military supplies, including ammunition, light firearms, and anti-aircraft weapons, was ambushed near the Somalia-Ethiopia border as local militias attempted to seize the cargo. The trucks, which crossed the border on September 19, were transporting arms reportedly destined for Puntland.
The convoy came under attack from multiple directions as local militias launched a coordinated ambush near the town of Bookh. Despite the surprise attack, the convoy—escorted by Ethiopian Somali Regional State forces—successfully defended the shipment with no reported casualties.
The skirmish marks a significant escalation in regional tensions, as rival militias and clans vie for control of valuable military resources. The shipment’s safe passage has raised concerns about the influx of arms into Puntland at a time of heightened internal conflict.
New reports indicate that military equipment, previously transported across the Somalia-Ethiopia border, is now under the control of the Puntland Marine Police Force (PMPF) and is being moved toward the strategic commercial city of Bosaso. This development follows an ambush near Bookh in which militias unsuccessfully attempted to seize the arms convoy.
The military supplies, which include ammunition, light firearms, and anti-aircraft weapons, are believed to be part of a broader plan by the Puntland administration to strengthen its military presence in Bosaso. The city has become a focal point of rising tensions between the Puntland administration and the Puntland Security Forces (PSF), raising fears of potential conflict as both sides vie for control.
With the PMPF trained and supported by the UAE, the recent arms buildup could signal a turning point in the power struggle within Puntland. Analysts warn that the introduction of new military hardware may lead to increased violence in the region, further destabilizing an already fragile political landscape.
These developments highlight growing regional instability as Puntland grapples with internal divisions and external pressures, creating an uncertain and volatile environment for the months ahead.
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