Somalia: Dispute after Puntland leader fires anti-terror security commanders

GAROWE, Somalia, February 22, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Amidst unprecedented surge in Al Shabaab night raids in the Gulf of Aden port city of Bossaso, the sacking by Puntland President of two top security officials spurred dispute, Garowe Online reports.

President Ali fired Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Police force Mohiyadin Ahmed Aw-Musse and Puntland Intelligence Agency (PIA) Director Abdi Hassan Hussein in decree for undisclosed reasons, GO has learned.

On February 7, Aw-Musse survived an attempt on his life after heavily armed Al Shabaab militants raided Panaroma hotel, killing two of his bodyguards and wounding several others.

The following day, a massive sweep in Bossaso port city led to the arrest of three attackers and undisclosed number of accomplices.

Aw Musse told GO that he was infuriated by the release of Al Shabaab members who were captured in intense security sweep, with reliable sources unveiling that a presidential decree set the suspects free without prior consultation with high ranking security officials.

Puntland leader has yet to comment on the new development.

Speaking to Garowe Online on condition of anonymity, a source declined to be named said: “At this critical time when the security of Puntland’s main cities is at stake, more particularly in Bossaso, President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas is required to come up with the ideals of real leadership and to create an atmosphere that could bring the politicians and security commanders together,”.

Security forces accompanying the fired police commander on a trip to Garowe were also reportedly sacked from the now-weak apparatus.

This year alone, Al Shabaab carried out at least three apparently coordinated terror attacks, targeting military and soft structures.

8-member panel of UN experts accused Ali of adopting ‘catch and release’ policy in a confidential report in October 2014-allegations that were not categorically denied by the President and his aides.

Public opinion polls display increasing concerns over the security lapse in the state where Al Shabaab continues to get foothold.

GAROWE ONLINE