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Officials from Somalia’s semi-autonomous region of Puntland are currently traveling to areas where Puntland forces recently conducted anti-piracy operations to work with local officials to determine ways to maintain security and improve governance.
The Puntland Marine Police Force (PMPF) recently conducted operations in Bari, Karkar and Nugal regions of Puntland including the villages of Eyl, Hafun, Bargal, Hal Anod, and Bali-Dhidin forcing pirates to flee.
Led by the governor of Bari region Abdi Samad Mohamed Galan, the delegation traveled from the port city of Bosaso to areas around Qandala district in Bari region to meet the local community elders and officials. The locals welcomed the delegation and agreed to work with officials to keep the pirates away, according to officials who spoke to Somalia Report. Qandala is strategically located directly across the Gulf of Aden of Yemen, making it an ideal location for pirates, smugglers and terrorists.
The delegation spent June 6-9 traveling to the villages around Bargal and are now in Bali-Dhidin where the PMPF recently targeted pirates gathered in two houses in Bali-Dhidin. Security officials confirmed to Somalia Report that one pirate died and another was wounded in that attack. The delegation plans to travel next to Xiriiro to continue discussions with locals. During their meetings, the delegation succeeded in establishing a new administration in Bali-Dhidin by creating a new police force to defend the village against pirates.
While in Bargal, sources told Somalia Report the governor and some members of his delegation were threatened by pirates holding the MT Royal Grace and MT Smyrni in Rasu Binna after they booked themselves into some of the hotels and guest houses.
The PMPF is also currently working with local officials in Eyl, Hafun, Iskushiban and Bargal, according to officials who spoke to Somalia Report to help establish their own local police forces.
Mohamed Ruk, a local resident in Bali-Dhidin told Somalia Report that community would welcome the forces in staying as long as they respect the locals.
Meanwhile, the PMPF detained individuals who were accused of having relations with the pirates in Bargal, including Saalah, a well known resident. He was later released after questioning.