Qardho (WDN) – Security concerns intensified across Puntland’s Bari region on Tuesday evening following an attack on a hotel in Qardho, reports of a vehicle hijacking, and an ongoing military standoff involving rival security forces in Xaafuun.

According to local sources, Hotel Safari in Qardho came under attack during the evening hours, prompting a swift deployment of Puntland security forces to the scene. Authorities quickly secured the area and reinforced security around the hotel to prevent further incidents.

As of publication, however, the Puntland administration and security agencies had not issued an official statement detailing the nature of the attack, the extent of any damage or casualties, or those responsible. Witnesses reported a heavy security presence around the hotel, with additional troops deployed as authorities worked to stabilize the situation.

In a separate security incident, local residents reported that a Toyota Probox vehicle was forcibly hijacked inside Qardho. Preliminary reports indicate that the two occupants were ordered out of the vehicle before it was driven away by unidentified individuals.

The motive behind the hijacking and the identity of those responsible remain unclear, and security officials have yet to comment publicly on the incident.

Nevertheless, the security situation in Puntland has steadily deteriorated in recent months as armed confrontations have intensified between Puntland security and PFM forces loyal to the Commander of the Somali Police Force. The conflict has not only destabilized parts of the region but has also exposed the dangerous consequences of political rivalries spilling over into armed violence.

WardheerNews