BOSASO — The Puntland Security Forces (PSF) have publicly commented for the first time on the recent fighting in Laag, on the outskirts of Bosaso, accusing the Puntland administration of deploying drones during an operation against their forces.

A senior PSF official told the BBC that the force is formally part of the Somali National Army and operates under the authority of Somalia’s Federal Government.

The official maintained that responsibility for national defence rests with the Federal Government, while federal member states are primarily mandated to maintain regional police forces.

Puntland’s security command had earlier announced that it had concluded a military operation against PSF units, accusing them of undermining security and stability in the region.

Puntland authorities subsequently displayed military vehicles, weapons and detainees they said had been captured during the operation.

The competing accounts highlight the deepening dispute between the Puntland administration and the PSF over command, authority and control of security forces in the region.

Tensions remain high following the clashes in Laag, while neither side has released a comprehensive and independently verified casualty figure.