Somalia: Puntland's Business Center Faces Terrorist Threats as Businesses Close Down

BOSASO, Somalia- Garowe Online News has learned from a reliable source that the Al-Maruuf company, a prominent business in Puntland, has been recently targeted by terrorist groups in a large supermarket in Bosaso. As a result, the company has closed all its business operations in the region.

According to the reports, the terrorist groups demanded an extortion payment of $500,000 from the company. In response to this incident, a widespread sense of fear has gripped the city of Bosaso, as terrorist groups have begun collecting extortion money from business centers in the area.

The Puntland government has not yet released any official statement regarding the situation in Bosaso. Meanwhile, many businessmen have fled the city due to the increasing threats.

The President of Puntland, who has been absent from the region for a month, has a government council preoccupied with disputed local council elections. With only eight months left in his term, there are concerns that the president may seek to extend his tenure.

Amidst the turmoil, Puntland security agencies and civil servants have gone unpaid for over five months, further exacerbating the situation.

Bosaso also grapples with the ongoing conflict between Al Shabab and ISIS on its outskirts.

GAROWE ONLINE