Weapons seized by Somalia's Puntland Security Forces

BOSASO, Somalia - Security forces in Puntland have seized weapons in the commercial city of Bosaso just within the shores of the Indian Ocean as the northern state continues to fight against violent extremist groups particularly Al-Shabaab and the ISIS in Somalia.

Puntland has been battling against ISIS, a group whose influence is said to be increasing, despite efforts to curb the threats. According to security analysts, Puntland state is one of the most stable regions of Somalia.

The assortment of weapons is believed to belong to violent extremist groups. The Puntland Maritime Security Forces arrested two men believed to have been trafficking the guns, officials said while insisting that they will be arraigned in court.

According to a statement from the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF), the forces seized the equipment and made the arrests following an operation in the coastal city of Bosaso. The operation was done with the Puntland Intelligence and Security Agency (PISA).

“Specially trained forces of the PMPF with the help of the Puntland Intelligence Agency of PISA conducted an operation in Bosaso to arrest individuals belonging to terrorist networks, who were caught with explosives and heavy weapons,” said the PMPF statement.

A close examination shows that some of the weapons seized included Powder Explosives, Mines, Hand Grenades, and Mortars among an assortment of other high-caliber weapons; all usually used during sophisticated operations by the militants.

This comes just a few days after the al-Shabaab militants waged an attack on Mogadishu’s Lido beach, killing over 37 people. Officials in Somalia have asked members of the public to assist in sharing intelligence ahead of such attacks against innocent civilians.

GAROWE ONLINE