BOSASO, Somalia – A cargo vessel carrying weapons reportedly owned by Turkey ran aground off the coast of Raas Caseyr in Somalia’s Bari region following a technical malfunction, security sources confirmed to Radio Shabelle on Saturday.
Local security forces were alerted after the ship became stranded near the shoreline. While awaiting a formal inspection, reports indicate that some small arms aboard the vessel were looted before Puntland maritime police could secure the scene.
“The ship experienced mechanical failure and ran aground. Some Turkish-owned light weapons were looted before our forces gained control of the area,” a regional security official said under condition of anonymity.
Sources suggest the vessel may have been headed for Mogadishu, though there has been no official confirmation regarding its final destination or the intended recipient of the cargo.
The incident comes amid growing military cooperation between Somalia and Turkey, following a recently ratified maritime defense agreement that allows Turkish forces to help patrol and secure Somalia’s territorial waters.
The Turkish parliament also approved a deployment of troops and military equipment in support of Somalia’s maritime security efforts.
Though the presence of Turkish weapons on the stranded vessel raises questions, authorities have not yet established a direct connection between the shipment and the bilateral defense pact.
Somali and Puntland authorities have launched a joint investigation into the matter as concerns grow over arms smuggling and regional security.
