GAROWE, Somalia (Horn Life) – The Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) has begun deploying troops to the coastal town of Las Qoray in the Sanaag region, marking a new phase in the federal member state’s counter-terrorism campaign against Al-Shabaab and Islamic State (Daesh) affiliates.
According to senior security sources, the deployment is part of “Operation Onkod,” a broader offensive aimed at securing the Calmadow mountain range and other remote areas believed to harbor extremist elements. Laasqoray will serve as a new operational base, with preparations reportedly underway to establish long-term military presence in the region.
The Puntland administration, led by President Said Abdullahi Deni, previously indicated that the second phase of operations would begin in Las Qoray. The initial phase of the campaign launched from Bosaso, the commercial hub of Bari region, and is now being expanded eastward.
“The objective is to create a stable base in Laasqoray and launch coordinated ground operations deeper into Sanaag,” one officer told Horn Life on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the mission.
The deployment also comes amid political uncertainty in the region. A newly announced regional administration, dubbed “North-East Somalia,” has claimed authority over parts of Sanaag but has yet to respond to Puntland’s troop movements.
Military analysts say the expansion of operations into Laasqoray signals Puntland’s intent to assert both security and political control in the contested area. Previous attempts to stabilize the region have faced logistical and political obstacles, but officials hope the new base will improve coordination and sustain pressure on militant groups.
No official timeline has been announced for when ground operations from Laasqoray will begin, but local residents have reported an increased military presence and logistical movements in recent days.
