Tuesday April 16, 2019
Somali Puntland forces receive weapons seized in a boat on the shores of the Gulf of Aden in the city of Bosasso, Puntland region, Somalia September 23, 2017. REUTERS/Abdiqani Hassan
Mogadishu (HOL) - The semi-autonomous regional state of Puntland has banned the trade in arms, ammunition and military equipment.
In a decree issued by Abdisamad Mohamed Gallan, the Minister of Internal Security declared that the state will take action against those found involving in arms selling.
The minister ordered the security forces and the police to immediately implement the directive of the ban.
Galan urged the officials from the security agencies, local administrations to work hand in hand with the government for the betterment of the state.
“You are instructed to act to the implementation of this order,” reads the decree which directed to different departs.
Security forces in Puntland state have recently ramped up operations to secure the major towns following assassinations which took place in Garowe and Bosaso towns.
Puntland forces are struggling to neutralize sleeping cells suspected to have links with Al-Shabaab and ISIS militants.
The development comes barely two days after a US military airstrike killed ISIS deputy leader, Abdulhakim Dhuqub in the vicinity of Xiriiro, Bari Region.
According to a statement by the US military, Dhuqub was responsible for the daily operations of the extremist group, attack planning, and resource procurement.
The militant group has not yet commented on the death of its deputy leader.