Monday January 5, 2026
Bosaso (HOL) — A roadside explosion killed at least two soldiers and a military officer and wounded more than five others Sunday morning after striking a mine-sweeping vehicle operated by Puntland security forces on the new road linking Bosaso and Dhaadaar, officials said.
The blast occurred as the forces were conducting a security operation along the route, according to security sources. The vehicle was targeting suspected explosives when it was hit by the explosion.
Medical and military teams were dispatched to the scene, and the wounded were evacuated to hospitals in Bosaso for treatment.
Security forces sealed off the area following the explosion, deploying additional troops to secure the road and begin an investigation into the incident. The Bosaso-Dhaadaar road was temporarily closed as clearance and security operations continued.
Puntland security officials have not said who was responsible for the attack, but said further details would be released once the investigation is completed.
The explosion comes days after Puntland authorities withdrew most of their forces from the Calmiskaad mountains in Bari region, where a nearly yearlong operation against the Islamic State group has been underway.
Security officials say the group’s presence in Calmiskaad has been significantly weakened, although small cells of militants remain in hiding, particularly around the Baallade stream. Mobile units, they said, are continuing operations to track down and eliminate the remaining fighters.
Puntland has faced persistent threats from militant groups despite intensified security campaigns, with roadside bombs and targeted attacks remaining a key risk for security forces operating in the region.