Growe (WDN) – Puntland’s Darawiish forces have captured the KANUU military base, one of the principal strongholds of the Puntland Security Forces (PSF), dealing another significant blow to the militia as Puntland expands its ongoing security operation.

According to security sources, Puntland forces seized the base after a brief operation that forced several senior PSF commanders to flee while others surrendered.

The number of PSF personnel who have reportedly surrendered has now risen to 87 officers and soldiers, including several senior commanders. Puntland security forces say they are continuing search operations to locate senior PSF leaders who escaped during the fighting.

According to security sources, the status of the militia’s senior leadership is as follows:

• Mahad Mawliid, Commander of PSF Forces in Galkayo — reportedly being pursued by Puntland security forces.
• Saciid Geere, Operations Commander — surrendered.
• Mahamud Osman Abdullahi “Diyano,” Director General of the PSF — reportedly fled toward Galmudug.
• Haylow, Deputy Commander of PSF Forces in Galkayo — reportedly being sought.
• Giijaale Cabdi Baydhabo, Commander of the PSF — reportedly on the run.
• PSF Logistics Commander in Galkayo — reportedly being pursued.
• Colonel Baariyow Abdullahi Dhoore — reportedly wounded during the fighting.

The capture of the KANUU base marks one of the most consequential developments in Puntland’s campaign against the PSF, a force that Puntland authorities maintain operates outside the state’s recognized security institutions.

The latest operation follows a series of recent battlefield successes by Puntland forces, including the seizure of military vehicles and the surrender of dozens of PSF personnel, suggesting that the militia’s command structure and operational capability are coming under increasing pressure.

Neither the PSF leadership nor independent observers have publicly confirmed the reported captures, surrenders, or the status of the commanders. The information remains based on security sources aligned with Puntland authorities, while search operations for remaining senior PSF leaders continue.

WardheerNews