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A security guard assigned to the Speaker of the Puntland Parliament was injured in a violent clash with police forces in Garowe, escalating tensions amid an ongoing disarmament campaign. The confrontation, which occurred near the Adduun Hotel in the Nugaal region on May 8, 2025, unfolded as police attempted to confiscate weapons from individuals allegedly carrying firearms without proper authorization.
According to security officials, the altercation began when police approached the Speaker’s security personnel, who were stationed at a local business but were reportedly not wearing official military uniforms. Authorities demanded that the guards surrender their weapons, citing the ongoing crackdown on illegal firearms in the city. However, the guards refused, leading to an exchange of gunfire that left one of them injured.
The Puntland Parliament has yet to issue an official statement on the incident, but sources close to the Speaker’s office have expressed concerns over the aggressive nature of the police operation. The clash comes amid heightened security measures in Garowe following the recent killing of two civilians, prompting local authorities to intensify efforts to remove unauthorized weapons from circulation.
The Nugaal regional administration launched the disarmament campaign earlier in the week, aiming to bolster public safety and curb rising crime rates. However, the operation has faced resistance from various groups, including private security personnel and clan militias, who argue that the government’s approach lacks transparency and disproportionately targets certain factions.
Residents of Garowe have voiced mixed reactions to the incident, with some supporting the government’s efforts to enhance security, while others fear that the disarmament campaign could lead to further instability. “We understand the need for security, but the way this operation is being carried out is causing unnecessary confrontations,” said a local shopkeeper who witnessed the clash.
Political analysts warn that the incident could deepen divisions between Puntland’s leadership and security forces, particularly as tensions over governance and resource control continue to simmer. The Puntland government has been navigating complex political dynamics, with opposition figures accusing authorities of using security operations to suppress dissent.
As investigations into the clash continue, the focus remains on whether Puntland’s security forces can effectively implement the disarmament campaign without exacerbating existing political and social tensions. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the government can restore confidence in its security policies while maintaining stability in the region.