Puntland forces capture Galkayo camp after clashes with federal-aligned troops

Puntland security forces announced on Saturday that they have seized control of the Galkayo refugee camp after rival militias aligned with the federal government withdrew following several hours of intense fighting. The clash erupted in the early afternoon near the camp’s perimeter in the central Somali town of Galkayo, a strategic hub that has long been contested between the semi‑autonomous Puntland administration and federal‑aligned factions.

According to statements from Puntland’s Ministry of Interior, the opposing forces retreated northward after sustaining significant losses, allowing Puntland troops to secure the camp and surrounding streets without further resistance. The takeover restores Puntland’s authority over a key logistical site used for humanitarian aid distribution, a development officials say will facilitate the resumption of assistance to displaced residents. No official casualty figures have been released, but local witnesses reported several injuries on both sides. The incident underscores the ongoing volatility in central Somalia, where competing power structures continue to vie for control of strategic locations.