Mogadishu (WDN) — The Federal Government of Somalia has for the first time publicly addressed reports of recent airstrikes along the Puntland coast, saying it is gathering information and preparing a comprehensive report on the incidents.
State Minister for Defense Omar Ali Abdi, speaking to the media in Mogadishu, said the government was closely monitoring the situation and would take appropriate action once its assessment was complete. “A comprehensive report will be issued, God willing,” Omar said.
The statement follows Puntland’s condemnation of what it described as strikes by international warships in the Garmaal area on August 18 and 20, which the regional administration said affected fishermen and damaged civilian property.
Puntland has demanded clarification over who carried out the strikes and why, warning that military operations near fishing communities could endanger civilians whose livelihoods depend on the sea.
The Defence Ministry’s statement raises a fundamental question: Were the reported operations authorized or coordinated with the Somali government, or were foreign forces acting independently?
Omar stressed that the Federal Government has the legal authority to determine military operations targeting piracy along Somalia’s coastline. If the strikes were part of an international anti-piracy operation, Mogadishu will need to clarify whether it was informed or had authorized the mission, what the intended targets were, and what measures were taken to protect civilians. The government has not yet identified the vessels or forces involved.
Puntland says the strikes occurred in areas used by local fishermen and caused damage to civilian property. The claims have not yet been independently verified. The allegations are particularly sensitive because coastal communities in Puntland rely heavily on fishing for their livelihoods. Any military activity near fishing grounds therefore carries the risk of civilian casualties and economic losses.
Puntland has warned that efforts to combat piracy must not result in legitimate fishermen being mistaken for pirates or civilian communities becoming collateral damage.
Piracy and Sovereignty
Somalia’s coastline has long been associated with piracy, although attacks declined dramatically from their peak. Recent reports of hijackings and attempted hijackings have nevertheless renewed concerns that pirate networks could be reorganizing.
International naval forces have operated off Somalia for years to protect commercial shipping and combat piracy. Their operations, however, also raise questions about sovereignty, authorization and accountability when military action takes place near Somali territory.
The Federal Government must now balance the need to support international efforts against piracy with its responsibility to protect Somalia’s territorial sovereignty and civilian population. The Defence Ministry’s promised report could be critical in establishing what happened.
Key questions remain: Who carried out the strikes? What were the targets? Who authorized the operation? Were Somali and Puntland authorities informed? And were civilians or their property harmed?
Omar said the government would take appropriate measures once the facts were established, although he did not specify whether those measures would be diplomatic, legal or related to regulating foreign military operations along Somalia’s coast.
If civilian casualties or property damage are confirmed, calls for an independent investigation and accountability are likely to grow. For now, Puntland maintains that fishermen and civilian property were affected, while Mogadishu says it is investigating the incidents.
The forthcoming report will be closely watched—not only for what it reveals about the coastal strikes, but also for what it says about Somalia’s authority over foreign military operations conducted within or near its territorial waters.
WardheerNews