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In a notable military shift across central Somalia, federal-backed troops withdraw from Galkayo after regional authorities initiated an intensive security operation in the northern districts of the divided Mudug capital. Sources familiar with local military movements confirmed that personnel previously affiliated with federal command structures vacated their main installations north of the city. The strategic departure followed decisive action by Puntland security forces, who seized key administrative and military bases in northern Galkayo. According to regional officials and local reporting, the withdrawing units relocated southward toward neighboring Galgaduud province to prevent further armed direct confrontation within urban sectors.
The regional security shift follows days of heightened tension between Puntland authorities and armed units operating with federal ties. Confrontations reached a critical turning point when Puntland security forces executed a coordinated crackdown targeting facilities formerly controlled by the Puntland Security Force faction aligned with the federal administration in Mogadishu. Puntland state leadership subsequently instructed all military and police personnel loyal to federal authorities to surrender their equipment or evacuate territories under regional jurisdiction. Local traditional elders mediated discussions prior to the retreat, offering options for soldiers to either integrate into Puntland’s regional defense framework or vacate the area. Reports indicate the departing troops are expected to consolidate positions alongside federal elite units in central Somalia, though official confirmation regarding long-term redeployment plans remains pending.
Political observers note that as federal-backed troops withdraw from Galkayo, the immediate operational risk of localized urban warfare in Mudug has noticeably diminished. However, underlying governance disputes between Garowe and Mogadishu remain unresolved. Galkayo has historically served as a critical geopolitical boundary between Puntland and Galmudug, making security arrangements in the city vital to broader regional equilibrium. Puntland authorities have maintained that unauthorized military presences compromise territorial governance, while federal officials and allied regional partners have expressed concern over unilateral military actions. The recent takeover of facilities in Galkayo and Bosaso highlights an expanding effort by Puntland leadership to consolidate security command over its entire jurisdictional footprint.
As federal-backed troops withdraw from Galkayo, community leaders in Mudug continue emphasizing the preservation of civic peace and trade stability. Civilians in Galkayo have experienced periodic disruptions during security operations, prompting widespread calls for calm from commercial and traditional networks. Security experts stress that long-term stability across central Somalia will require sustained political dialogue and clear jurisdictional boundaries between state and federal defense architectures. While regional security forces currently hold full control over northern Galkayo, the evolving relationship between Somalia’s federal government and regional member states remains a defining factor for the nation’s political future.