Bosaso, (Hornpost) A cargo ship carrying military hardware, identified as Sea World, is currently docked at Bosaso port after being intercepted off the red sea coast of Puntland, sparking national and regional controversy over the origin and intended use of the arms on board.
The incident, which began nearly 48 hours ago, has attracted widespread attention in Somalia, raising questions about the shipment’s legitimacy, the Federal Government’s silence, and Puntland’s next move.
From Turkey to Trouble
According to maritime tracking data from MarineTraffic, the Sea World departed from the Turkish port city of Izmir, sailing under the Comoros flag. Its declared destination was Mogadishu, but local observers quickly pointed out that most Turkish shipments to Somalia originate from southern ports such as Mersin—not Izmir.
The ship’s deviation from the usual route triggered further suspicions, especially after fishermen near Bareeda spotted military vehicles visibly strapped to the deck of the vessel.
The sighting prompted an alert to local authorities, after which Puntland police forces boarded the vessel.
Engine Failure or Evasion?
Officials report that the ship experienced a mechanical malfunction, forcing it to navigate close to the shore—common practice for older or less advanced vessels during high tides and unstable sea conditions. Still, its proximity to the coast and the visible cargo has drawn intense scrutiny.
Locals, Weapons, and Past Incidents
Bareeda is no stranger to illegal weapons trafficking. Just weeks earlier, residents seized a small boat loaded with arms, allegedly destined for private buyers. The community’s swift action prevented the weapons from entering circulation, and no follow-up investigation was conducted by national authorities.
As news spread about the Sea World’s cargo, some residents reportedly attempted to intercept the ship in a similar fashion. However, Puntland’s naval forces intervened, preventing the seizure and securing the vessel.
Who Owns the Weapons?
Multiple military and diplomatic sources who spoke to this reporter confirm that the arms aboard the Sea World were not intended for Somalia’s national military, but were reportedly part of a Turkish arms shipment meant for a joint Somali-Turkish force operating near Mogadishu. The force is expected to protect new Turkish strategic installations, including satellite and missile infrastructure.
One senior official close to Somali and Turkish military leadership revealed that, alongside government weapons, there were also privately owned arms onboard—an issue that has previously surfaced in Turkish shipments to Somalia.
Federal Silence, Regional Tension
The Somali Federal Government has remained noticeably silent. Defense Minister [Name Withheld] walked away when questioned by this reporter at a regional defense ministers’ conference held earlier today in Mogadishu.
Government insiders say that federal officials have been instructed not to comment on the matter. No statement has been issued by the Ministry of Defense or other relevant agencies, a move interpreted by analysts as an attempt to distance the government from the politically sensitive incident.
Puntland’s Dilemma and Turkish Diplomacy
Sources in Bosaso confirm that some light arms were offloaded from the vessel before Puntland’s navy tightened control. The Sea World remains under investigation and sealed containers have reportedly been opened, though no formal findings have been released.
Meanwhile, Puntland authorities are deliberating on how to handle the ship, as Turkish diplomatic channels have begun reaching out. A senior Somali diplomat confirmed that initial negotiations between the Turkish embassy in Mogadishu and Puntland officials are underway, likely focused on the release of the ship and its cargo.
What’s Next?
As of now, the fate of the Sea World and its controversial cargo remains unclear. Puntland appears reluctant to release the arms without a formal agreement, while the Federal Government seems to be avoiding any association with the shipment.
If negotiations proceed as expected, sources suggest the ship may be allowed to continue to Mogadishu—but without its cargo.
This report is based on verified sources, field observations, and interviews media in Puntland and other Internet sources towards this issue. and interviews with military officials and diplomats. Names of some sources have been withheld for security reasons
Hornpost staff Reporter
