Garowe (WDN) –The Puntland Defense Forces Command has confirmed to WardheerNews that, for the first time, Puntland has successfully acquired helicopter gunships capable of executing precision airstrikes — a major boost to the region’s counterterrorism capacity.
The helicopters, according to the official, are outfitted with advanced surveillance capabilities, air-to-ground missile systems, and heavy machine guns — making them ideal for both reconnaissance and direct combat support in rugged and remote environments where ground access is limited.
Senior military officers stated that the helicopter gunships were procured from an undisclosed foreign nation, and that two of the four units have already arrived in Bosaso. These aircraft are set to play a pivotal role in the final phase of the Operation Al-Miskaad and in the upcoming offensive in the Al-Madow mountains — both long-time hideouts of extremist groups linked to Al-Shabaab and other insurgent elements.
“This is a game-changer for our forces,” said a senior Puntland defense official who requested anonymity. “For years, our troops have been fighting in difficult terrain, ambushed by militants who use the mountains to their advantage. These gunships give us the air mobility and firepower we’ve lacked.”
“With these assets, we can strike from the air, monitor enemy movements, and provide cover for our ground forces in real-time,” another officer explained. “This also significantly reduces the risk to our soldiers during clearing operations.”
Puntland’s military has long faced operational constraints due to the absence of aerial support, particularly in combating entrenched militant elements in mountainous areas. The introduction of helicopter gunships not only enhances Puntland’s strike capabilities but also marks a shift in the region’s security posture — from reactive defense to proactive and strategic engagement.
While the United States and the United Arab Emirates have been key security partners for Puntland, especially in counterterrorism efforts, their specific role in facilitating this acquisition remains unclear. Officials have declined to provide further details on the source of the helicopters or the nature of the deal, citing operational security.
Security analysts believe this development could mark a turning point in the war against terrorism in northeastern Somalia.
“This is the first time Puntland has had such capability. It sends a message to ISIS and Al-Shabaab and that Puntland is no longer vulnerable from the air,” said one analyst based in Nairobi.
The deployment of these helicopters to Bosaso — the economic and logistical hub of Puntland — indicates that operations are imminent. According to military sources, the government is coordinating the next phase of counterterror operations that will rely heavily on the new air assets.
With helicopter gunships now part of Puntland’s arsenal, the balance of power may begin to shift in favor of local forces — offering hope to communities long terrorized by extremist violence.
WardheerNews