The Federal Government of Somalia has called for the immediate and unconditional release of a vessel seized by the Puntland Maritime Police Force, describing the incident as an illegal act of aggression and a violation of both national and international law.
The vessel, SEA WORLD, was intercepted last week while sailing towards Mogadishu.
According to a statement seen by PNTV Africa, the vessel was carrying military equipment intended for the TÜRKSOM Military Training Centre, a joint Somali-Turkish facility, alongside commercial goods belonging to Somali traders.
It is currently being held at the Port of Bosaso in the semi-autonomous Puntland region.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Information, the federal government insisted that the ship was operating lawfully within Somali territorial waters at the time of its seizure.
The government emphasized that the military cargo aboard was authorized under existing defense cooperation agreements with Türkiye and fully complied with national and international legal frameworks.
Mogadishu warned that Puntland’s actions could be deemed piracy under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) of 1982, which defines the unauthorized seizure of vessels as a criminal offense. The Somali Penal Code also categorizes such actions as piracy.
The federal government reiterated its stance against piracy and pledged to pursue legal action against individuals or groups found responsible.
It also urged Puntland authorities to halt unauthorized maritime operations and to work with federal institutions to ensure the secure movement of vessels operating under government mandate.
This maritime standoff further deepens existing political tensions between Somalia’s central government and Puntland, which have been at odds over constitutional reforms and national elections championed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.