Sunday March 15, 2026
Bosaso (HOL) — Puntland security forces on Saturday dispersed a group of soldiers protesting unpaid wages and reopened a key highway linking Bosaso and Qardho, after a brief confrontation that left at least one protester injured.
The soldiers had blocked the strategic road since Friday, halting traffic and stranding vehicles on both sides. Authorities said security units moved in early Saturday to clear the route after negotiations failed.
Traffic resumed shortly after the road was reopened.
In recent months, groups of soldiers in Puntland have repeatedly blocked major roads to demand overdue salaries, reflecting growing frustration within the ranks. Saturday’s incident marks the first known instance in which Puntland forces used force to remove fellow security personnel from a highway blockade.
The Bari regional administration has previously described the protesting soldiers as clan-based fighters who had participated in operations in the Calmiskaad mountains against ISIS militants.
Regional officials said the group had been scheduled to undergo formal military training and integration exercises but refused to participate, triggering the standoff.
The confrontation underscores mounting financial and organizational strains within Puntland’s security apparatus, as authorities continue counterterrorism operations while grappling with budget constraints and delayed payments.
