Puntland forces on alert over federal ministers' travel plans as Jibril flees Ceelbuh

CEELBUH, Somalia, July 7 – Former Puntland parliament speaker and current MP Cabdirashid Yusuf Jibriil left the town of Ceelbuh late Sunday night following a final ultimatum issued by Puntland state forces, local sources said.

According to security officials, Jibriil was granted safe passage out of the contested town after holding talks with senior Puntland military commanders. He is believed to be heading toward Lasanod, a strategic town in the SSC-Khatumo State.

His departure comes amid rising tensions in Ceelbuh, where Puntland forces have clashed in recent months with local militia groups over control and political alignment.

In a related development, Puntland security officials said they are closely monitoring reports that federal ministers and lawmakers from Mogadishu are planning to travel to Dhahar and Xingalool—two towns located in the regions of Hayland and Sanaag.

Puntland forces are reportedly on high alert and have drawn up defensive measures to block unauthorized political movements into areas under their control.

Puntland authorities warned that any federal incursion without coordination could escalate tensions further, as Puntland continues to assert authority over territory contested by Somaliland and the federal government.

No official comment has been made by MP Jibriil or the federal government regarding his exit from Ceelbuh. The political climate in the Sanaag region remains volatile, with competing claims and overlapping jurisdictions contributing to a fragile security environment.

GAROWE ONLINE