Puntland Security Force

The Puntland Security Force (PSF) is the law enforcement and security force of the autonomous Puntland state in Somalia. The PSF was formed in 2002 to combat terrorism in the region and is independent from the Somali Federal government and the Puntland government. Among PSF’s main functions are conducting crime scene analysis, capturing and eliminating high-level targets, and reconnaissance. The PSF has approximately 600 members as of 2021.^[1]

Puntland Security Force
Active	2002 – present
Country	Somalia
Type	Law enforcement, counterterrorism
Role	Law enforcement, counter-insurgency, internal security
Size	600
Garrison/HQ	Bosaaso
Engagements	Somalia War (2006–2009) Galgala campaign Qandala campaign Battle of Af Urur
Commanders
Current commander	Director General Mohamud Osman (2018 – present)
Notable commanders	General Mohamed Aden Bidar (2003 – 2004) General Osman Abdullahi Mohamud (2004 – 2010) General Asad Osman Abdullahi (2010 – 2018)

Since the founding of the state in 1998, the PSF has operated in Puntland and throughout Somalia. Commanders and senior officials are appointed by a qualified panel approved by the Council of Ministers.^[2] The Puntland security apparatus has an independent military judiciary, which during peacetime only adjudges military proceedings. Retired members of the Force are also constitutionally guaranteed pensions.^[2]

History

The Puntland Security Force was formed by in 1998 by the Puntland government.^[3][2]

In 2002, amid concerns that al-Qaeda elements were operating in East Africa, the PSF was formally established as part of the Puntland Intelligence Security (PIS), which combined the PSF and the Puntland Intelligence Agency (PIA), with assistance from the Puntland government and the Central Intelligence Agency.^[4]

In 2003, Mohamed Aden Bidar was appointed as the first PIS Director. Bidar then resigned and moved to Mogadishu where he became the first Commander of the Somali National Security Services (NSS). In 2004, Osman Abdullahi Mohamoud was appointed as PIS Director.

In 2009, President Faroole elected Colonel Ali Bindhe as a PIS Director without the consultation of U.S officials in Somalia. The officials rejected the appointment due to Bindhe’s lack of security experience. President Faroole and US officials agreed to divide the PIS into two divisions: the Puntland Security Force as a counterterrorism force, and the Puntland Intelligence Agency as an intelligence agency. The newly independent PSF was led by Director General Osman Abdullahi Mohamud.

After Mohamud's death, Asad Osman Abdullahi was appointed the new PSF Director in 2010. In December 2018, Asad Osman Abdullahi resigned as the PSF General Director. After consultation with U.S officials, Mohamud Osman Abdullahi was appointed as General Director.

In December 2021, fighting erupted between Puntland Security Force and forces loyal to Puntland government of President Said Abdullahi Deni when the President sacked Mohamud Osman Diyano, the director of PSF. This resulted in deaths and injuries to the combatants and civilians in Bossaso as the sides exchanged fire from all sorts of heavy and light arms.^[5]

Puntland Dervish Force

Main article: Puntland Dervish Force

The Puntland Dervish Force is separate from the PSF and operates officially as the National Guard of Puntland's Armed Forces.^[6]

Equipment

• Individual WeaponsAKM (Assault Rifle - 7.62×39mm)
  • • AK-74 (Assault Rifle - 5.45×39mm)
    • PK machine gun (General-purpose machine gun - 7.62×54mmR)
  • Sniper Rifle
    • SVD Dragunov (Sniper Rifle - 7.62×54mmR)
  • Anti-Tank Explosive
    • RPG-7 (rocket-propelled grenade launcher - 40 mm)
• Vehicles
  • Main Battle Tank
    • T-54/T-55
  • Armoured Personnel Carrier
    • BTR-60
    • Fiat 6614
  • Military trucks
    • Renault GBC 180 (6×6)
    • M939 Truck (6×6)
  • Pickup trucks
    • Toyota Land Cruiser J79
    • Toyota Hilux
    • Nissan Frontier
    • Armored Ford F350 Gun Truck
• Artillery and heavy machine guns
  • Heavy machine guns
    • 12.7mm DShK
    • 12.7mm NSV
  • Self-Propelled Artillery
    • 122mm BM-21 Grad Multiple Rocket Launcher
  • Mortar
    • 60mm M-224
  • Anti-Aircraft Gun
    • ZU-23-2

Puntland Police Force

The Puntland security apparatus also operates its own police force. The latter includes a Special Protection Unit.^[6]

Puntland Intelligence Agency

Main article: Puntland Intelligence Agency

The Puntland Intelligence Agency is the intelligence bureau of Puntland's military. It was officially established in 2001 as the Puntland Intelligence Service during the rule of President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed, with help from the United States.^[7] The agency principally operates in the Puntland region, where it serves as the main intelligence and counter-terrorism wing of the government's security forces.^[6]

Puntland Maritime Police Force

Main article: Puntland Maritime Police Force

The Puntland Maritime Police Force is a locally recruited, professional maritime security force. It is primarily aimed at preventing, detecting and eradicating piracy, illegal fishing, and other illicit activity off of the coast of Somalia, in addition to generally safeguarding the nation's marine resources.^[8][9]

In addition, the Force provides logistics support to humanitarian efforts, such as repairing wells; delivering relief supplies, medical supplies, food, and water; rehabilitating hospitals and clinics; and refurbishing roads, airports, and other infrastructure. It also offers skills training programs to local communities.^[9][10]

As of March 2012, the PMPF has around 500 troops. The Force is eventually expected to comprise 1,000 soldiers.^[11]

Agreements

In January 2015, President of Puntland Abdiweli Mohamed Ali signed a bilateral agreement with the EU head of Civilian Operations Commander for all Civilian Common Security Defence Policy (CSDP) Missions Kenneth Dean, which stipulates that a new EUCAP Nestor base will be established in Garowe. The European Union's Maritime Capacity Building Mission in the Horn of Africa and Western Indian Ocean (EUCAP Nestor) is mandated to assist nations in the latter regions to strengthen their maritime defense capabilities. As such, the new base aims to advance cooperation, to train Puntland forces in maritime security and anti-terrorism, particularly vis-a-vis ground operations, and to develop and firm up on extant maritime security instruments and legislation.^[12]

See also

• Military of Somalia
• Somali Salvation Democratic Front

References

1. Phillips, Michael M. (10 December 2021). "Caught in a Political Crossfire, U.S.-Trained Somali Commandos Suspend Fight Against Islamic State". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved 29 December 2021.
2. . Puntlandgovt.com. Archived from the original on 13 April 2018. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
3. "Puntland's Experience in Peacebuilding and Statebuilding" (PDF). Retrieved 23 June 2015.
4. "Revealed: CIA-Trained Militia Used US-Made Weapons in Deadly Attack". Vice. Retrieved 27 October 2022.
5. "Puntland soldiers turn weapons on each other". The East African. Retrieved 27 October 2022.
6. "Intelligence profile - Somalia". Cvni.net. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
7. "Somalia: Puntland's Govt Blasts VOA Report As 'Appeasing Al Shabaab'". Garowe Online. allAfrica.
8. . Garoweonline.com. Archived from the original on 17 October 2013. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
9. . Puntland Maritime Police Force. Archived from the original on 11 August 2012. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
10. . Somaliareport.com. Archived from the original on 22 March 2016. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
11. . Somaliareport.com. Archived from the original on 24 March 2016. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
12. "Somalia: EUCAP Nestor to deploy in Puntland". Horseed Media. 28 January 2015. Retrieved 29 January 2015.