Puntland Intercepts Kamikaze Drones from Yemen Intended for Al-Shabaab

by: Horn Observer Contributor | 27 August 2024 02:44

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Puntland Intercepts Kamikaze Drones from Yemen Intended for Al-Shabaab

GAROWE, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) – Security forces in Somalia's Puntland State have apprehended seven individuals suspected of being affiliated with Al-Shabaab or ISIS, along with a shipment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) being smuggled

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Loitering munitions, commonly known as suicide drones or Kamikaze drones, are relatively new to combat zones but are increasingly used by various actors, including Russia, Ukraine, and the Houthis in Yemen.

GAROWE, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) – Security forces in Somalia's Puntland State have apprehended seven individuals suspected of being affiliated with Al-Shabaab or ISIS, along with a shipment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) being smuggled into the country, a local security source reported on Monday.

The suspects were detained following intelligence reports indicating they were transporting weapons.

A senior official from Puntland’s security forces, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the seized UAVs include five Kamikaze drones, believed to have been imported from Yemen.

The interception occurred early Monday morning on a truck traveling between Galkayo and Garowe, Puntland’s capital.

Kaab TV quoted security officials noted that the drones likely entered Puntland through Bosaso, the state’s primary port city on the Red Sea.

This incident comes as Bosaso security forces have recently intensified counter-terrorism operations in the region.

"The seven suspects and the drones hidden in the truck were en route to Galkayo when they were apprehended,” the security source said.

Following the truck’s interception, further investigations by officers uncovered the five drones, which are now in the custody of Puntland’s security forces.

The official did not provide additional details about the ongoing investigation. However, officials believe the shipment was intended for the terror group Al-Shabaab, which has been actively seeking to procure suicide drones.

Loitering munitions, commonly known as suicide drones or Kamikaze drones, are relatively new in combat zones but are increasingly used by various actors, including Russia, Ukraine, and the Houthis in Yemen.

These drones are known for their ability to evade radar detection and carry out targeted strikes.

In late July, Bosaso security officials reported the seizure of a significant number of illegal weapons during an operation in the port city.

The weapons are believed to have been smuggled from Yemen into Puntland, further highlighting the region’s ongoing security challenges.