Somalia: Puntland Police Subtly Validate Claims of Terrorists Targeting Bosaso Businesses

BOSASO, PUNTLAND - Puntland security agencies announced today that they had obtained information about the individual responsible for the recent terrorist attack at the Al-Macaruf Company headquarters in Bosaso port city. The attack raised questions about the outgoing government's failure to ensure regional security.

Puntland Police Chief Brigadier General Mumin Abdi Shire attended a closed-door security meeting in the Bari Region to discuss the terror incident. The meeting was also attended by the governor of the Bari region, his deputy, the mayor of Bosaso, the commander of the Darwish force, the deputy minister of internal affairs, and other officials.

In a statement, the police said they had identified the person who orchestrated the terrorist act and vowed swift legal action. The name of the suspect and their affiliations have not been disclosed at this time.

The Puntland police urged business owners in the Bari region to closely cooperate with security agencies and share any information that threatens their lives or commerce. The security agencies also instructed businesses to change their internal security systems, such as updating security guards, installing CCTV cameras, and providing fire extinguishers.

The Bari regional Security team warned telecom providers that they would face legal action if their electronic money transfers do not follow legal processes or if they open accounts not in accordance with established rules.

The emergency meeting was held in response to a report published by Garowe Online, which disclosed that the ISIS-linked terrorist group had imposed heavy taxes on local businesses in Bosaso City. According to the report, most traders in Bosaso received calls from ISIS members demanding payment of what they called "taxes." The Islamic State and Al-Shabaab terrorists are known to collect large sums of money per month or year through threats and intimidation.

Some officials within Deni's administration launched a verbal attack on Garowe Online for revealing that terrorists were exerting more pressure on Bosaso's businesses. However, today's police statement confirmed the report's accuracy, further supporting the initial claims made by Garowe Online regarding the increased pressure on businesses in the region.

GAROWE ONLINE