Heavy fighting broke out early Wednesday morning between Puntland security forces and a federally aligned security unit at a military camp near General Abdullahi Yusuf International Airport on the outskirts of Galkayo.

In a statement, the Puntland Police Command said its forces had launched a planned operation against a camp occupied by personnel who had recently announced their integration into forces operating under the Federal Government of Somalia.

Puntland authorities said the security operation remained ongoing and warned that action would be taken against any group attempting to undermine security, public order or stability in areas under the administration’s control.

The clashes reportedly involved Puntland Darawish forces and members of the Puntland Security Forces who are said to be aligned with the Federal Government. The precise command structure and affiliation of the forces involved have not been independently verified.

Preliminary reports indicate that at least three people were injured by artillery fire and gunfire exchanged between the two sides. The full extent of the casualties and damage remains unclear.

The fighting also displaced families from several neighbourhoods in eastern Galkayo. Local residents told Mustaqbal Media that some families had begun leaving the area in the hours preceding the confrontation after observing military deployments and growing signs of tension.

The clashes followed several hours of heightened military activity, with both sides reportedly reinforcing their positions and carrying out opposing troop movements.

The Puntland administration has accused Somalia’s Federal Government of fuelling instability in eastern Mudug region. It also warned that the federal-aligned forces would not be allowed to advance further into Galkayo.

The Federal Government of Somalia has not yet publicly responded to the accusations. Independent confirmation of the circumstances surrounding the fighting and the number of casualties was not immediately available.