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At least three soldiers were injured on Friday after an armed confrontation erupted at the central police station in Garowe, Puntland’s administrative capital. The incident occurred when a group of soldiers attempted to force the release of two colleagues who had earlier been arrested by police for allegedly possessing alcohol, according to security sources.
The two soldiers were detained earlier in the day and taken to the central police station for questioning. Several hours later, armed members of their unit arrived at the station and tried to secure their release by force. The situation quickly escalated into a gunfight after police officers at the station resisted the attempt and refused to hand over the detainees.
Security sources said the attacking soldiers used both light and heavy weapons during the assault. Police managed to hold their ground, preventing the armed group from entering the station compound or removing the detained soldiers. In the exchange of gunfire, at least three soldiers were injured. Officials confirmed that all three injured individuals were part of the group that carried out the attack. One of the two soldiers who had been arrested earlier was also reported to have sustained injuries during the clash.
The attackers were identified as members of the Duufaan Brigade, a Puntland military unit that recently returned to Garowe after taking part in operations against Islamic State militants in the Calmiskaad mountains of Bari region. The brigade, along with other units, had been deployed for months in difficult terrain as part of Puntland’s campaign to weaken extremist groups operating in the area.
The confrontation caused panic in Garowe, especially because it unfolded near the city square, a busy area where civilians, vehicles, and businesses are concentrated. Residents said gunfire broke out suddenly as people were moving through the area, forcing many to flee for safety. The incident raised fears of further violence in the city and renewed concerns about security in public spaces.
By the end of the day, Puntland security authorities had not issued an official statement addressing the incident, the injuries, or the status of those involved. The lack of immediate communication from officials added to public uncertainty and speculation surrounding the clash.
In a separate statement, representatives of the Duufaan Brigade accused the police of mistreating one of their soldiers while in custody. They claimed the detained soldier was injured and warned that they would take further action if authorities failed to provide what they described as a clear and satisfactory explanation. The statement highlighted growing tensions between different branches of the security forces and raised questions about internal coordination and accountability.
The incident comes at a delicate moment for Puntland, as many troops are returning to urban centers after nearly a year of intense combat operations. Security officials have privately acknowledged that reintegrating battle-hardened soldiers into peacetime roles has presented serious challenges. Issues related to discipline, command structure, and psychological stress have become more visible as units transition from frontline duties back to regular service.
These concerns are not new. Last year, a soldier who had returned from the same counter-ISIS campaign was responsible for killing two fellow soldiers and a civilian in Garowe. That incident shocked the public and triggered calls for stronger oversight, better mental health support, and improved post-deployment management within the security forces.
Friday’s attack on the police station has revived those concerns and underscored the fragile balance Puntland authorities must manage. While maintaining discipline within the ranks is critical, so is addressing the long-term effects of prolonged combat on soldiers. As more troops return from active battlefields, Puntland faces increasing pressure to strengthen command control, ensure accountability, and prevent armed confrontations from spilling into civilian areas.
The incident serves as a reminder of the complex security challenges facing Puntland as it moves from wartime operations toward restoring stability and normalcy in its cities.