Somalia: Puntland gets new Police Chief amid worsening Security

GAROWE, Puntland - Puntland on Thursday installed a Brigadier General as its new Police chief at a time when the State faces a rising threat from Al-Shabab and pro-ISIL militants, Garowe Online reports.

In a degree, President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali "Gaas" has appointed Brig. Gen. Abdullahi Shire Dhool as the new Puntland Police boss following a long absence of command for the state's law enforcement department.

Meanwhile, Colonel Bile Farah Ali was appointed as his first deputy commander while Colonel Osman Hassan was appointed as the second deputy commander, according to the Presidential decree obtained by GO.

This appointment comes amid deteriorating security situation in the region, mainly Bosaso, the commercial city of Puntland due to weak government policy to counter terrorism and lack of salary payments to the security forces.

In the past few months, the terrorist groups in Bari region have stepped up attacks on Puntland forces and assassinations against security officials in the provincial capital, Bosaso.

The chief of Bosaso port security Mohamed Ali Hashi has this week survived an assassination attempt by suspected Al-Shabab assassins armed with pistols in Dahabshil headquarters in the seaside city.

The gunmen fled after an exchange of fire with the Hashi's bodyguards. Prior to the attack, a traffic Police officer was killed and several were injured in grenade attack in the same city that was claimed by Al-Shabab.

"There is a growing fear in the city, people can't go out of their houses afternoon [12:00 p.m. local] due to the insecurity," a local businessman in the city told GO via phone on condition of anonymity.

Since the election of President Ali in January 2014, Puntland witnessed worsening security situation, economic downfall and his government cut funds for the security agencies fighting terrorist groups, which took advantage of the current administration's failure.

On 8th January, Somaliland forces launched an unexpected offensive against Puntland forces and captured the Tukaraq, a small town in Sool region, about 60Km north of Garowe, the state capital.

For the time being, no question has been asked why Puntland Intelligence did not aware of the incursion which came on the second day of President's Farmajo's recent historic visit to the region.

GAROWE ONLINE