Puntland Security Force

Puntland Security Force
Active 1998–present
Country

 Somalia

Type Law enforcement, Counter-Terrorism
Role Law Enforcement, Counter-insurgency, Internal Security
Garrison/HQ Garowe
Engagements War in Somalia (2006–2009)
Galgala Campaign
Commanders
Current
commander		 General Said Dheere
Notable
commanders		 Colonel Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed
General Abdullahi Ali Mire

The Puntland Security Force (PSF) consists of the armed forces of the autonomous Puntland region in northeastern Somalia.

History

Following the outbreak of the civil war in 1991, a homegrown constitutional conference was held in Garowe in 1998 over a period of three months. Attended by the area's political elite, traditional elders (Issims), members of the business community, intellectuals and other civil society representatives, the autonomous Puntland State of Somalia was subsequently officially established so as to deliver services to the population, offer security, facilitate trade, and interact with both domestic and international partners.[1] The Puntland Security Force (PSF) was subsequently formed by the regional government.[2]

Since the founding of the state in 1998, the Force has operated in Puntland and throughout Somalia. Commanders and senior officials of the military are appointed by a qualified panel approved by the Council of Ministers.[2]

The Puntland security apparatus has an independent military judiciary, which during peace time only adjudges military proceedings. Retired members of the Force are also constitutionally guaranteed pensions.[2]

Puntland Dervish Force

The Puntland Dervish Force is the official paramilitary division of Puntland's security forces.[3]

Equipment

Puntland Police Force

The Puntland security appartus also operates its own Police Force. The latter includes a Special Protection Unit.[3]

Puntland Intelligence Agency

The Puntland Intelligence Agency is the intelligence bureau of Puntland's military. It was officially established in 2001 as the Puntland Intelligence Service during the rule of President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed, with help from the United States.[4] The agency principally operates in the Puntland region, where it serves as the main intelligence and counter-terrorism wing of the government's security forces.[3]

Puntland Maritime Police Force

The Puntland Maritime Police Force is a locally-recruited, professional maritime security force. It is primarily aimed at preventing, detecting and eradicating piracy, illegal fishing, and other illicit activity off of the coast of Somalia, in addition to generally safeguarding the nation's marine resources.[5][6]

In addition, the Force provides logistics support to humanitarian efforts, such as repairing wells; delivering relief supplies, medical supplies, food and water; rehabilitating hospitals and clinics; and refurbishing roads, airports and other infrastructure. It also offers skills training programs to local communities.[6][7]

As of March 2012, the PMPF has around 500 troops. The Force is eventually expected to comprise 1,000 soldiers.[8]

Agreements

In January 2015, President of Puntland Abdiweli Mohamed Ali signed a bilateral agreement with the EU head of Civilian Operations Commander for all Civilian Common Security Defence Policy (CSDP) Missions Kenneth Dean, which stipulates that a new EUCAP Nestor base will be established in Garowe. The European Union's Maritime Capacity Building Mission in the Horn of Africa and Western Indian Ocean (EUCAP Nestor) is mandated to assist nations in the latter regions to strengthen their maritime defense capabilities. As such, the new base aims to advance cooperation, to train Puntland forces in maritime security and anti-terrorism, particularly vis-a-vis ground operations, and to develop and firm up on extant maritime security instruments and legislation.[9]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Puntland's Experience in Peacebuilding and Statebuilding" (PDF). Retrieved 23 June 2015.
  2. 1 2 3 "Puntland Constitution". Puntlandgovt.com. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  3. 1 2 3 "Intelligence profile - Somalia". Cvni.net. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  4. ↑ "Somalia: Puntland's Govt Blasts VOA Report As 'Appeasing Al Shabaab'". Garowe Online. allAfrica.
  5. ↑ "PPSACCIG". Garoweonline.com. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
  6. 1 2 "About - Puntland Maritime Police Force". Puntland Maritime Police Force. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
  7. ↑ "Puntland Government Delivers Food and Water". Somaliareport.com. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  8. ↑ "Puntland Marine Police Force Enters Eyl". Somaliareport.com. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  9. ↑ "Somalia: EUCAP Nestor to deploy in Puntland". Horseed Media. 28 January 2015. Retrieved 29 January 2015.
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