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Somalia’s federal government has raised concerns about renewed fighting in Dhahar district, located in the Haylan region of Puntland. The violence, which erupted recently between Puntland security forces and clan militias, has left at least four soldiers dead and ten others wounded. In response, the federal government is urging Puntland’s leadership to pull back troops to avoid further conflict.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Somalia’s Ministry of Interior said the deployment of Puntland troops is worsening the situation in Dhahar instead of supporting the fight against terrorism, as was initially claimed. The Ministry expressed regret over the loss of life and injuries, sending condolences to the affected families and wishing a quick recovery to the wounded.
The federal government is calling for an immediate end to the fighting and has appealed to all sides to prioritize peace and dialogue. According to reports from the ground, violence flared up when members of Puntland’s Maritime Police Force (PMPF) attempted to remove new checkpoints in the area. This action triggered intense clashes, lasting several hours and causing many civilians to flee from their homes.
The Ministry of Interior emphasized that military operations meant to address terrorism must not be used to settle internal political or clan disputes. “Such deployments should not be used for internal confrontations that deepen divisions,” the statement said. “This violence undermines national unity and the broader peacebuilding efforts underway in Somalia.”
Local elders from Las Anod, who trace their roots to Dhahar, have publicly condemned the military actions by Puntland. They accused President Said Abdullahi Deni of targeting groups that support the SSC-Khaatumo administration, which is in the process of transitioning into a formal federal member state. These elders argue that the military operation appears politically motivated rather than aimed at security concerns.
In light of these tensions, the Ministry has appealed to traditional elders, religious scholars, and intellectuals to step in and help mediate the conflict. The federal government hopes that respected community leaders can restore calm and prevent further bloodshed.
The fighting in Dhahar also comes at a sensitive time. A major political conference is currently underway in Las Anod, where local leaders are working to finalize the formal recognition of SSC-Khaatumo as a federal member state. This process represents a significant political shift and has raised tensions in neighboring areas, including Dhahar.
The federal government stressed that this is a critical moment for national reconciliation and unity. It urged all parties involved in the Dhahar clashes to refrain from violence and allow space for peaceful solutions. The Ministry concluded by reminding all Somali leaders that the use of military force against civilians or rival political groups only serves to weaken the country’s progress toward peace and federalism.
In summary, the federal government wants Puntland’s leaders to pull back their troops from Dhahar and let dialogue guide the resolution of disputes. As Somalia moves forward with federalization and peacebuilding, many believe that the only way to ensure long-term stability is through cooperation, inclusion, and non-violence.