MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Authorities in Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region on Monday released a vessel carrying advanced weaponry destined for Turkey’s military base in Mogadishu, following weeks of diplomatic negotiations.
The MV Sea World, intercepted last month off the northeastern Somali coast, was carrying military equipment including modern armoured vehicles and light weapons. The ship’s seizure prompted a diplomatic standoff between Puntland and Turkey, a key ally of Somalia’s federal government.
The vessel was released after Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni met with Turkish Ambassador to Somalia Alper Aktaş. The Turkish delegation included senior military officials and members of the Turkish navy.
In a statement, the Puntland presidency said it had conducted an independent investigation and was presented with credible evidence confirming that the cargo belonged to the Turkish government.
“The Puntland government, based on the evidence presented by the Turkish government and its own investigation, has decided to hand over responsibility for the MV Sea World and its contents to the government of Turkey,” the statement read.
Tensions had escalated after former Somali Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke claimed Puntland officials were refusing to release the ship, amid longstanding friction between Puntland and the federal government in Mogadishu.
Following the interception, images released by Puntland security forces appeared to show advanced weaponry onboard. However, local reports indicated that some light arms may have been looted after the vessel was seized. Authorities have launched an investigation, though findings have yet to be made public.
Somalia’s federal government had earlier condemned the seizure, claiming the weapons were en route to Turksom, Turkey’s largest military base in Africa, located in Mogadishu. Officials described Puntland’s actions as “piracy and hijacking.”
In response, Puntland said the vessel had entered its territorial waters without prior notification and remained for several days, raising concerns in a region already grappling with insecurity and militant threats.
Turkey maintains strong military and diplomatic ties with Somalia, including through its base in Mogadishu, which plays a key role in training Somali forces.
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