Tuesday May 6, 2025
Garowe (HOL) — Puntland military forces stationed along key frontlines in the Calmadow mountain range have withdrawn from their positions in Galgala, Afurur, and Bali-Khadar and regrouped in the Cowsane area of Sanaag region, citing dissatisfaction with political leadership and financial grievances.
The troops said the withdrawal was intended to allow them to participate in what they described as the “liberation of Erigabo,” the regional capital of Sanaag, where they claim Puntland-aligned civilians have been displaced during ongoing tensions with Somaliland.
Sources told HOL that the withdrawal follows frustration over recent remarks made by Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, which some troops interpreted as a conciliatory stance toward Somaliland’s claim to independence. The president reportedly made no mention of Puntland residents displaced from Erigabo, angering units stationed in the area.
The troops believe President Deni favors negotiation and the peaceful return of displaced residents, rather than direct military confrontation over control of Erigabo.
In addition to political grievances, sources confirmed that many of the soldiers were discontent with unpaid salaries and unfulfilled financial promises. These issues have fueled growing dissatisfaction among frontline units.
Regional officials in Puntland are reportedly working to persuade the troops to return to their original positions, particularly as the state nears completion of the third phase of Operation Lightning, targeting ISIS remnants in the Bari mountains.
The withdrawal threatens to weaken Puntland’s strategic military posture in the contested borderlands, even as it intensifies counterterrorism operations in the east.