Laasqoray, Somalia (WDN)— Puntland authorities have issued a strong condemnation following an attack by militias linked to Somaliland, who hijacked two fishing boats off the coast of Laasqoray, a vital port town in the Sanaag region.

The hijacking, described as a blatant act of piracy, has raised alarm about the growing instability along Somalia’s northern coastline. Laasqoray, often promoted by Somaliland as part of its strategic coastal holdings, now faces a direct security threat from heavily armed militias capable of launching attacks from the sea.

According to Cabdikariin Yuusuf Dibbad, the District Commissioner of Laasqoray, the armed group launched a surprise assault from international waters at approximately 6:20 a.m on April 24, 2025, seizing two locally owned fishing vessels that were legally registered with Puntland authorities.

“These militias, who identify with Somaliland, covertly entered Laasqoray’s maritime zone and abducted two boats owned by traders from the town,” Commissioner Dibbad said. He emphasized that the vessels were fully licensed and dismissed claims that they were transporting illegal arms.

The incident also underscores rising tensions in the Sanaag region, a territory that is officially part of Puntland’s Federal Member State (FMS). Officials warn that such acts could ignite retaliatory responses, further destabilizing the area. If violence escalates, there is growing concern that global shipping insurance companies could reclassify the region as a high-risk zone, significantly raising costs and potentially rerouting commercial shipping away from northern Somalia.

“For Somaliland to safeguard its international standing, its authorities must take swift action: apprehend those responsible for this act of piracy and return the stolen boats to their rightful owners,” a Puntland official stated.

Background

The Sanaag region has long been a flashpoint between Puntland and Somaliland, with both administrations claiming jurisdiction over the area. While Puntland considers Sanaag an integral part of its federal territory under Somalia’s constitutional framework, Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but lacks international recognition, asserts its own claim. Tensions periodically flare into armed confrontations, disrupting efforts to stabilize northern Somalia and threatening the region’s critical maritime trade routes.

As Puntland completes its security assessments following the attack, fears are mounting that unchecked lawlessness along the coast could imperil not only the local economy but also regional peace and international shipping.

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