MOGADISHU — Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi has visited soldiers of the Somali National Army who were wounded in last week’s attack on an SNA base in Galkayo, receiving medical updates and directing that they receive comprehensive care at Madina Hospital in Mogadishu.
During the visit on Monday, August 10, 2026, the Minister met with the wounded soldiers, commended their bravery and sacrifice, and instructed hospital staff to ensure they receive full medical attention and support for their recovery.
The soldiers, who were part of the Puntland Security Force (PSF) before joining the Somali National Army, were attacked by Puntland forces on August 5, 2026, in an operation that targeted a PSF base in Galkayo. The assault resulted in the capture of PSF leaders and the seizure of weapons and military equipment. Puntland has declared that the PSF does not legally form part of its defence structure and has rejected any federally registered military units operating inside its territory without authorisation.
Minister Fiqi praised the soldiers’ long-standing commitment to security in Puntland and the fight against Al-Shabaab and ISIS during their time in the PSF. He emphasized that their decision to join the Somali National Army is a right of every Somali citizen who wishes to serve their country and should not be seen as an act against any particular group or administration.
“These forces have served for many years in defense of the people and stability in Puntland. Today they have chosen to use their experience and skills in service of the nation’s broader defence and security. Their integration into the Somali National Army is not a crime that warrants attack,” the Minister said.
He reaffirmed that the Somali National Army has no quarrel with the Somali people or the regional administrations of the country. The army’s only adversaries are extremist groups and those who threaten the security, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia. Puntland has previously accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of arming militias to destabilise the region, warning that the Federal Government was seeking to create instability in the Mudug region and undermine Puntland’s authority.
Minister Fiqi also stressed that the Ministry of Defence is committed to ensuring the Somali National Army remains a national institution dedicated to protecting the country and its citizens, safeguarding sovereignty, and upholding national unity and territorial integrity.
Background of the Galkayo Attack
The visit comes five days after Puntland forces attacked a PSF base in Galkayo on August 5, 2026, in an operation that resulted in the capture of 101 suspects and 60 wounded individuals, according to Puntland officials. President Deni declared a major victory in the operation, describing it as a “planned and pre-emptive operation” that sends a clear message to anyone seeking to undermine Puntland’s statehood.
The PSF, which was once a US-backed counter-terrorism unit, has been at odds with Puntland President Deni’s administration since late 2021, when the president attempted to dismiss its then-commander.
Puntland forces subsequently seized a second PSF base in Bosaso on August 6, 2026, further consolidating the region’s control over military assets loyal to the Federal Government. Jubaland condemned the Federal Government’s role in the conflict and expressed solidarity with Puntland, describing the federal government’s actions as a threat to peace, stability, and social cohesion.
Federal-aligned forces who abandoned a military base in Carmo have declared that they do not recognize the authority of the Puntland administration, deepening the security crisis in the region. The troops, who recently aligned themselves with the Federal Government, have relocated to Xumbays within Puntland’s territory and continue to defy the regional ultimatum to surrender.
Critical Note
While Minister Fiqi’s visit to the wounded soldiers demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting its forces, the attack on the SNA base in Galkayo highlights the dangerous trajectory of federal-state tensions in Somalia. The dispute over military authority, the presence of federal-aligned forces in Puntland’s territory, and the political rift between Mogadishu and Garowe have created a volatile situation that could escalate further.
The Minister’s emphasis that the Somali National Army is a national institution with no quarrel with regional administrations underscores the government’s effort to de-escalate tensions. However, the attack itself and the subsequent seizure of bases reflect a deepening crisis that requires urgent political dialogue. Without a genuine commitment from both sides to resolve their differences through negotiation, the cycle of military confrontation and political recrimination is likely to continue, with civilian populations bearing the heaviest burden.
