The Puntland Maritime Police Force ( PMPF ) is a security force based in Puntland , an autonomous region in northeastern Somalia . As of May 2024, the PMPF had around 4800 personnel. The force is eventually expected to comprise 10,000 personnel.
158-472: According to Puntland authorities, it is primarily aimed at preventing, detecting and eradicating piracy , illegal fishing , and other illicit activity off of the coast of Somalia, in addition to generally safeguarding marine resources. Yet the UN Somalia and Eritrea Monitoring Group (SEMG) said in 2012 that its primary focus was internal security operations. As of April 2014, Abdinasir Bihi Sofe serves as
316-1131: A BA degree summa cum laude in Economics from the Somali National University in 1984. Gaas later moved to the United States for his post-graduate studies, and in 1988, he obtained an MA degree in Economics from Vanderbilt University as an AFGRAD Fellow. He then was a Bradley Fellow at George Mason University , first in the Department of Economics between 1994 and 1995, then at the Center for Study of Public Choice between 1995 and 1998. He also conducted his doctoral research at this university where obtained his PhD degree in economics in 2000. Besides this, in 1999, he furthermore obtained an MA degree in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School and
474-498: A European Union delegation led by EU Envoy to Somalia Michele Cervone d'Urso. The meeting concluded with an agreement by the EU officials to assist the new Puntland administration in strengthening its security sector. Additionally, the representatives indicated that the EU would start allocating directly to Puntland its share of development funds earmarked for Somalia. In October 2014, Gaas met again with EU Special Envoy Cervone d'Urso at
632-556: A fragile state . This disorder meant there was no longer effective government policing of Somali waters by the Somali Navy , a weakness then exploited by often large foreign fishing boats, further threatening the livelihoods of local Somali fishing communities . They in part responded by forming armed groups to deter what they perceived as invaders. These groups, using small boats such as skiffs and motorised boats, would sometimes hold vessels and crew for ransom. This practice grew into
790-654: A 13-member Iranian crew hostage for several weeks. Al Molai had been hijacked and used as a mothership for pirate operations throughout the Persian Gulf, members of the Iranian vessel's crew reported. On 21 January 2012, while researching a book on piracy via a Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting grant; journalist Michael Scott Moore was abducted in Galkayo by a local gang of pirates, who subsequently demanded $ 20 million. U.S. and German officials negotiated with
948-407: A 24-hour rotation to enhance security and deter pirate activities. Commander Abdullahi Mohamed Ahmed acknowledged the challenges faced by the maritime force, which extend beyond piracy. Despite initial success in dealing with pirate activities, recent developments, including the presence of militant groups like al-Shabab and IS (Islamic State) , have added complexity to their mission. Consequently,
1106-701: A Certificate in Taxation from Harvard Law School . In a professional capacity, Gaas served as a Director in the Excise Tax Department of Somalia's federal Ministry of Finance and Revenue in the mid- to late 1980s. Between 1988 and 1991, he was an Assistant Director in Research and Statistics at the Ministry of Finance and Revenue. He later moved to Niagara County in New York state, where he
1264-691: A Greek vessel in the Gulf of Aden with at least 24 people on board, including two Greek citizens and several Philippine citizens. The vessel, sailing under the Liberian flag, was transporting iron from Ukraine to China. On 14 January 2011, while speaking to reporters, Commodore Michiel Hijmans of the Royal Netherlands Navy stated that the use of hijacked vessels in more recent hijackings had led to increased range of pirating activities, as well as difficulty to actively thwart future events due to
1422-465: A PMPF unit led by Commander Colonel Abdirizak Dirie Farah and accompanied by senior Puntland government officials was deployed to the coastal Hafun district. The following day, the Force began local security operations and apprehended 11 pirates that had established a base in the area. The police also impounded a Toyota truck, seven AK-47 assault rifles and one heavy machine gun from the site. Among
1580-412: A Spanish fishing vessel three days later. Suspected to have been carried out by the same group of pirates, they were tracked down by RFA Fort Victoria , supported by HMAS Melbourne , ROKS Wang Geon , European Union flagship HNLMS Johan de Witt , and a Seychelles-based maritime patrol aircraft from Luxembourg. The pirate skiffs were tracked by Melbourne ' s Seahawk helicopter,
1738-580: A Transitional Federal Government-Puntland cooperative agreement in August 2011 calling for the creation of a Somali Marine Force, of which the already established PMPF would form a part, the Puntland administration resumed training of PMPF naval officials. The UAE-funded Puntland Maritime Police Force training program was initially conducted by Saracen International/Sterling Corporate Services (SCS). The UN Somalia and Eritrea Monitoring Group (SEMG), alleged that
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#17327826101631896-650: A United Arab Emirates delegation at the Puntland Maritime Police Force base on the outskirts of Bosaso, including UAE Ambassador to Somalia Mohamed Al-Othman and senior heads of the Dubai Port Wall (DP). The representatives discussed a number of bilateral issues such as the ongoing renovations and expansion of the Port of Bosaso and maritime security. Additionally, the officials touched on investments in Puntland's constituent provinces, which
2054-483: A boarding team from Melbourne searched the skiffs, they successfully apprehended nine pirates and later destroyed two skiffs and their equipment. By December 2013, the US Office of Naval Intelligence reported that only nine vessels had been attacked during the year by the pirates, with no successful hijackings. Control Risks attributed this 90% decline in pirate activity from the corresponding period in 2012 to
2212-570: A boarding team from Nottingham went on to a second fishing vessel, Ekhwat Patana , which was with the Thai vessel. Munro ' s boarding team detained the Somalis without incident. One of the crew members of the Thai vessel had a minor flesh wound, which was treated by the Munro boarding team. The Coast Guardsmen also discovered four automatic weapons in the pilothouse, expended ammunition shells on
2370-546: A businessman and former US Navy Seal said he came up with the idea to create an anti-piracy force. The Puntland Maritime Police Force has been supported by the United Arab Emirates since its formation in 2010. UAE sources acknowledged supporting the force in 2013. As of 2014, it continues to receive support from the UAE. Prior to its deployment, United Nations bodies have questioned both the mission and legality of
2528-469: A ceremony at the state capital Garowe. The event was attended by a number of dignitaries, including former Puntland Presidents Abdirahman Mohamed Farole and Mohamud Muse Hersi , Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe), Galmudug President Abdi Hasan Awale Qeybdiid , former prime minister of Somalia Ali Mohammed Ghedi , federal MPs, ambassadors from Djibouti , Ethiopia and Turkey , UN Special Representative for Somalia Nicholas Kay , members of
2686-502: A crime. Due to improved anti-piracy measures the success of piracy acts on sea decreased dramatically by the end of 2011, with only 4 vessels hijacked in the last quarter versus 17 in the last quarter of the preceding year. In response, pirates resorted to increased hostage taking on land. The government of the autonomous Puntland region has also made progress in combating piracy, evident in interventions by its maritime police force (PMPF). In part to further curtail piracy activity,
2844-845: A five-year development plan for Puntland, strengthened bilateral cooperation with the United Arab Emirates and Australia , launched new road, airport and seaport development initiatives in Bosaso and other local areas in conjunction with Djibouti , China and UNHABITAT officials, and successfully concluded the Galgala campaign against the Al-Shabaab militant group. He also signed a 12-point bilateral agreement in Garowe with Prime Minister of Somalia Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed , which officially reaffirms Puntland's boundaries, agrees to form
3002-547: A follow-up three-day retreat in Garowe to review the 2014 Government Action Plan. The interactive event was the first of its kind in Somalia, and was broadcast live on local media. It focused on transparently assessing progress on the Puntland administration's pledges, identifying challenges, setting priorities for 2015, and developing strategies to ameliorate performance and speed up service delivery. In August 2014, Gaas met with
3160-637: A hijacked Iranian ship west of the Lakshadweep Islands . The crew included 12 Iranians and four Pakistanis. In October 2011, Jessica Buchanan and Poul Hagen Thisted , while working on a demining project with the Danish Refugee Council ; were kidnapped by Somali pirates in Galkayo . The pair were rescued in January 2012. On 5 January 2012, an MH-60S Seahawk from the guided-missile destroyer USS Kidd , part of
3318-552: A house where pirate leader Isse Yuluh was believed to have been staying, possibly injuring him. Three vehicles were reportedly destroyed in the attack, but Yuluh managed to escape. On November 30, 2023, the Puntland maritime police force responded to a recent attempted pirate hijacking in the Gulf of Aden . Following this incident, patrols in the region under the leadership of Commander Abdullahi Mohamed Ahmed, have been significantly increased. Patrols have been doubled, and they operating on
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#17327826101633476-461: A joke, and we have no presence at all in Somalia". In early May 2010, Russian special forces retook a Russian oil tanker that had been hijacked by 11 pirates. One died in the assault, and a week later Russian military officials reported that the remainder were freed due to weaknesses in international law but died before reaching the Somali coast. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev had announced
3634-625: A kidnapped Danish family had been held. In June 2012, PMPF personnel met with communities on the Hafun seaboard and outlined plans for the latter's continued cooperation with the Force. A PMPF unit is also reportedly stationed in the area. In response to local reports that pirates were holding vessels that they had seized off of the coast of Bargaal , the PMPF were dispatched to the district on June 4, 2012, to begin security operations. Unidentified helicopters were subsequently reported to have been combing
3792-412: A lucrative trade, where large ransom payments were demanded and often paid. These groups were then considered to be pirates, especially after they began hijacking non-fishing commercial vessels. With the region badly affected by poverty and government corruption , there was little political motivation at the local level to deal with the crisis. Large numbers of unemployed Somali youth began to see it as
3950-412: A means of making money. International organizations began to express concern over the new wave of piracy due to its high cost to global trade and the incentive to profiteer by insurance companies and others. Some believe that elements within Somalia collaborated with the pirates both to strengthen their political influence as well as for financial gain. After the 1998 United States embassy bombings ,
4108-637: A military ship shadowed them. A federal court in Norfolk, Virginia, sentenced three members of the gang that seized the yacht to life imprisonment. On 24 February 2011 a Danish family on a yacht were captured by pirates. In March 2011, the Indian Navy intercepted a pirate mother vessel 600 nautical miles (1,100 km) west of the Indian coast in the Arabian Sea and rescued 13 hostages, the names of
4266-520: A new international seaport in Puntland. The government of Djibouti will provide facilitation during the assessment. Other transportation projects in Puntland that are concurrently in development include the construction of an international airport in the commercial hub of Bosaso. In November 2014, Gaas also conferred with UNHABITAT Head of Office for Somalia Dragan Tatic on the completion of roads and houses in Bosaso, as well as water development projects in
4424-600: A pair of 400 shaft horsepower (300 kW) inboard diesel engines. The force's air element drop fuel barrels, at sea, to extend the boats' range. On October 4, 2012, the PMPF celebrated its second anniversary at an event held in Bosaso. The gathering was attended by various Somali and foreign officials, and included an aviation show by the first locally trained pilots since the outbreak of the civil war. Piracy in Somalia Inconclusive [REDACTED] Somalia Somali pirates Piracy off
4582-470: A priority for his government. On 27 January 2014, ahead of the announcement of a new Cabinet, President Gaas hosted a luncheon for Members of the Puntland Parliament at the state capital Garowe. The meeting was held at the national assembly building and was also attended by Puntland Vice President Abdihakim Abdullahi Haji Omar and Parliament Speaker Said Hassan Shire . President Gaas briefed
4740-433: A signed agreement between Prime Minister Gaas, TFG President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Speaker of Parliament Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden , Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamud Farole , Galmudug President Mohamed Ahmed Alim and Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a representative Khalif Abdulkadir Noor stipulating that: a) a new 225 member bicameral parliament would be formed, with a lower house and an upper house seating 54 Senators; b) 30% of
4898-589: A subcontractor for the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM). Al Venter , the author of a 2017 book about Somalia, reported that Erik Prince , the founder and former CEO of Blackwater , and a former US Navy SEAL , partnered with a former South African special forces soldier Lafras Luitingh , formerly of Executive Outcomes , to play a role in the Bancroft initiative. The UN Mercenaries' Working Group later reported that Bancroft had informed
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5056-486: A total of 53 federal ministers. On 4 July 2011, in one of his first policy initiatives, Gaas appointed a national committee to tackle the severe drought that was then affecting large parts of the country and the larger East Africa region. The committee consisted of several federal-level members of government, including the Ministers of Defense, Health, Interior, Finance, Public Works, Women's Affairs and Information. It
5214-639: A united and inclusive national army, and establishes parliamentary committees consisting of Federal and Puntland representatives to ensure equitable allocation of resources and oversee eventual Provisional Constitution talks. Additionally, Ali led Puntland delegations at global business and development conferences in Ethiopia and the United Kingdom , with the goal of highlighting the regional state's commercial potential, establishing business partnerships, and securing funding and mega development projects in
5372-470: A viable compromise candidate. He later arrived in Puntland to confer with political and clan leaders in Galkayo and Qardho so as to strengthen ties with the opposition and secure new supporters. On 8 January 2014, the first and second rounds of voting saw 9 of the 11 presidential contenders eliminated from the running, with Gaas and incumbent Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamud Farole left to face off in
5530-425: A week of its previous success, the Indian Navy captured another hijacked Thai trawler, MV Prantalay 11 and captured 28 pirates aboard in an operation undertaken by INS Tir pursuant to receiving information that a Greek merchant ship had been attacked by pirates on board high-speed boats, although it had managed to avoid capture. When INS Tir ordered the pirate ship to stop and be boarded for inspection, it
5688-549: Is a Somali American economist and politician. He served as the Prime Minister of Somalia from June 2011 to October 2012, and briefly afterwards as an MP in the newly formed Federal Parliament . During his time as premier, Ali is credited with having devised the formal "Roadmap for the End of Transition", a political process that provided clear benchmarks leading toward the establishment of permanent democratic institutions in
5846-486: Is intended to help the Puntland authorities strengthen their marine defense capabilities in keeping with the New Deal Compact's Somali Maritime and Resources Strategy. President Gaas welcomed the initiative, noting that marine cooperation with national and international stakeholders would impact activities on both sea and land, including coastal development projects. On 28 March 2014, Gaas met in Bosaso with
6004-617: The 2013 Somalia cyclone , the Puntland Maritime Police Force participated in relief efforts overseen by the Puntland Disaster Management and Rescue committee. PMPF units assisted in the transportation of emergency supplies, including blankets, tents, non-perishable food items and medicines to the impacted parts of the region. They also took photographs using special boats, which captured images of submerged earth roads connecting urban centers with rural areas, as well as flattened houses and fallen trees blocking off parts of
6162-625: The Carrier Strike Group 3 led by the USS ; John C. Stennis , detected a suspected pirate skiff alongside the Iranian-flagged fishing boat, Al Molai . The master of Al Molai sent a distress call about the same time reporting pirates were holding him captive. A visit, board, search and seizure team from Kidd boarded the dhow, a traditional Arabian sailing vessel, and detained 15 suspected pirates who had been holding
6320-769: The Galgala campaign . Additionally, the delegations discussed the New Deal conference in Copenhagen slated to take place in November 2014. On 27 March 2014, a Puntland government delegation including President Gaas and cabinet ministers met with EU representatives aboard a NATO ship. The meeting concluded with an announcement by the European Union officials that the EU would begin training Puntland Maritime Police Force units in Djibouti . The new training schedule
6478-831: The Journal of Business and Economics Research , International Advances in Economic Research , and the Journal of Public Choice . In 2001, his paper titled "Political stability, stable economic policies and growth: An empirical investigation" that was published in the Atlantic Economic Journal was given the year's Best Article Award. On 12 June 2010, Gaas was appointed the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia's Minister of Planning and International Cooperation as well as one of several deputy prime ministers. Selected for
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6636-535: The Khatumo State administration, Ahmed Elmi Osman (Karaash) and Abdinur Elmi Qaaje (Biindho), were named Puntland Minister of Interior and Minister of Fisheries, respectively. Ali Haji Warsame and Shire Haji Farah , two candidates who had participated in the just concluded Puntland presidential elections, were also appointed to the Cabinet, with Warsame assigned the Ministry of Education portfolio and Farah
6794-703: The London Somalia Conference was convened in February 2012. According to the International Maritime Bureau , pirate attacks in the Indian Ocean had by October 2012 dropped to a six-year low. Attempted hijackings fell from 237 in 2011 to 75 the following year, with successful attacks plummeting from 28 in 2011 to 14 in 2012. Additionally, only one ship was attacked in the third quarter of 2012 compared to 36 during
6952-519: The Puntland Constitution , and called for collaboration in the development and security sectors. For his part, Farole indicated that he accepted the outcome of the election, and felicitated Ali on his victory. Farole also reminded Gaas of the responsibility now bestowed upon him as leader, urging the new President-elect to prioritize Puntland's interests and calling on all government officials, workers and security forces to cooperate with
7110-726: The Red Sea , Gulf of Aden , Indian Ocean and Gulf of Oman (but not inside the Persian Gulf , which is the responsibility of CTF 152). This area is a vital artery of world trade from the Far East to Europe and the US, with thousands of shipping movements per year including the transportation of over 27 million barrels of oil. The participating nations have included Australia , Canada , Denmark , France , Germany , Italy , Netherlands , New Zealand , Pakistan , Spain , Saudi Arabia ,
7268-669: The USS Cole bombing in 2000 in Aden , Yemen , followed by the 9/11 attacks in 2001 on the United States , the US Navy decided to step up its activities around the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea , by establishing in stages a multinational anti-piracy coalition known as Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150), with an Area of Responsibility (AOR) including some of the world's busiest shipping lanes, spanning over two million square miles, covering
7426-477: The United Kingdom and the United States. Command of CTF 150 generally rotates between nations on a four monthly basis. By 2010, these patrols succeeded in steadily reducing the number of piracy incidents. In early 2017, a few incidents of piracy were reported as the navies of Asian and European nations began to more actively rescue hijacked ships, including the bulk carrier OS35 . In January 2023,
7584-519: The War in Somalia from 2006 to 2009 . During the Islamic Court Union's six-month rule of southern Somalia in the months prior, pirate activity completely ceased due to the extensive anti-piracy operations conducted by the courts. After the organization's collapse in early 2007, piracy sharply increased. Reportedly, elements within the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) were involved in
7742-546: The drop zone , attacked the compound, and engaged in battle, killing all nine pirates and rescuing two aid workers, Jessica Buchanan and Poul Hagen Thisted held captive since the previous October. The rescue raid is detailed in A first-hand account of the raid appears in Buchanan's 2014 memoir, Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six . On 11 October, pirates attacked Hong Kong registered tanker Island Splendor and attacked
7900-732: The "contract was terminated by agreement as the Government of Puntland now has the capacity to proceed with its anti-piracy programme". In December 2012, a mission by the UN Mercenaries' Working Group assessed the deployment of private military and security companies in Somalia. It criticized the PMPF for operating outside of the Federal national security framework. It reported that the force exclusively reported to President Abdirahman Farole ; that it had launched operations unrelated to piracy; and impeded Abdiweli Ali Gaas campaigning for
8058-433: The 13 hostages are James Blaydes, Thomas Walton, Lucas Pittman, Thomas Strauss, William Dickey, Jett Rice, Jude Coppola, and Rex Reeves. The names of the others were not found. Sixty-one pirates were also caught in the operation carried out by Navy's INS Kalpeni (T75) . In late March 2011, the Indian Navy seized 16 suspected pirates after a three-hour-long battle in the Arabian Sea, The navy also rescued 16 crew members of
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#17327826101638216-525: The Bosaso- Galkayo highway. On November 16, 2012, the PMPF captured a North Korea flagged vessel, the MV Daesan , which had been dumping 5,000 metric tons of waste in Puntland waters. The ship had originally been transporting cement from Oman to Mogadishu , but was turned away by the port's business authorities due to water-induced spoilage. The vessel was later spotted 13 nautical miles to
8374-400: The British aircraft carrier HMS Invincible and destroyer HMS Nottingham in the Gulf of Aden , intercepted a hijacked vessel at around noon on 17 March. The interception was ordered after Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (COMUSNAVCENT) received telephone reports from the International Maritime Bureau 's Piracy Reporting Center in Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia, concerning
8532-467: The Dutch frigate De Zeven Provinciën tracked the pirates back to a pirate mothership and captured them. They confiscated the pirates' weapons and freed 20 Yemeni fishermen whom the pirates had kidnapped and who had been forced to sail the pirate mothership. Since the Dutch Naval Forces were part of a NATO exercise, but not on an EU mission, they lacked legal jurisdiction to keep the pirates so they released them. Clinton stated that this action "sends
8690-412: The Elanyo and Qow districts, with five such boats later found in the area. The foreign ship crew was accompanied by 12 Somali personal guards, who briefly engaged PMPF troops in a shootout before also being apprehended. According to Commander Farah, the sailors and their guards are expected to face the Puntland courts. The PMPF also plans more such operations against illegal fishing vessels. On 7 May 2014,
8848-399: The Group that it had not signed any agreements with the PMPF. However, the company indicated that it had conducted a comprehensive assessment and audit of the PMPF, the Force's facilities, military equipment and inventory, and staff medical checks. Bancroft officials noted breaches of the arms embargo that was at the time in effect on Somalia. The firm subsequently declined to provide support to
9006-413: The Gulf. On 2 May 2009, Somali pirates captured MV Ariana with its 24 Ukrainian crew. The ship was released on 10 December 2009 after a ransom of almost US$ 3,000,000 was paid. On 8 November 2009, Somali pirates threatened that a kidnapped British couple, the Chandlers, would be "punished" if a German warship did not release seven pirates. Omer, one of the pirates holding the British couple, claimed
9164-408: The Indian Ocean High Risk Area (HRA) was lifted by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) due to a significant absence of Somali pirate attacks in previous years, although Somali pirates still reportedly possess the ability and resources to conduct attacks in the Gulf of Aden region. As a derivative effect of the escalating Israel-Hamas war at the end of 2023, new piracy-related activity rose on
9322-436: The Ministry of Finance office. The erstwhile Chairman of the Midnimo political association, Saadiq Enow, was in turn named Minister of Health. Additionally, Hassan Osman Mohamud Aloore, the former Minister of Petroleum under the Hersi administration, was given the Ministry of Security portfolio. The new Minister of Women, Anisa Abdulkadir Haji Mumin , and Minister of Constitution, Sahra Saed Nour, were likewise among five women in
9480-424: The National Constituent Assembly (NCA) is earmarked for women; c) the President is to be appointed via a constitutional election; and d) the Prime Minister is selected by the President and he/she then names his/her Cabinet. On 23 June 2012, the Somali federal and regional leaders met again and approved a draft constitution after several days of deliberation. The National Constituent Assembly overwhelmingly passed
9638-436: The PMPF commenced a second recruitment cohort of more than 400 volunteers. The new recruits were issued basic equipment, eating utensils and sleeping gear, and underwent medical, physical and administrative exams. They began a six-week basic training course on March 10, 2012, with formal training expected to last six months. Several senior, junior and non-commissioned officers of the Puntland Security Force were chosen to accompany
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#17327826101639796-515: The PMPF dispatched a unit of officers and support elements to the littoral town of Eyl at the request of the municipal authorities. The move is intended to ensure permanent security and anti-piracy protection in the area, and to support the local administration. To this end, PMPF personnel are expected to establish a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in the town earmarked for counter-piracy activities, to begin construction of an airstrip, and to engage in water-drilling. Between May 6, 2012, and June 8, 2012,
9954-410: The PMPF has now dried up and that the Government of Puntland is seeking ways of continuing to finance its operations". However, on 28 March 2014, another Puntland-UAE agreement stipulated that the UAE government would continue to support the PMPF. This support has been provided in violation of the arms embargo upon Somalia, stipulated in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1425 (2002). Following
10112-459: The PMPF's official training program since the force's formation in 2010. In April 2014, the Puntland Ministry of Finance announced that the Puntland government would start taxation of UN and international organizations working in the regional state. According to the head of the Nugal tax department Abdiwahab Farah Ali, this is the first such initiative undertaken in Puntland, and is expected to raise available revenue for local development projects by
10270-467: The PMPF. Bancroft also reportedly submitted its assessment document to AMISOM, with authorization pending to forward it to the EU and other international bodies. The Japan Coast Guard is providing additional training in maritime law enforcement to PMPF officials. In January 2012, the PMPF began an initial recruitment intake of volunteers. The men then took part in a six-month training course and were supplied with boats and trucks. In late February 2012,
10428-401: The Presidential Palace of Puntland. Yusuf previously served as a good governance consultant to the Somali central government during Gaas' term as Prime Minister of Somalia. Gaas concurrently held his first press conference as Puntland President, during which he announced that he was in the process of forming a lean cabinet. He indicated that he would consult with the electorate before unveiling
10586-514: The Puntland Maritime Police Force began intensive counter-piracy operations in the littoral areas of the Bari , Nugal and Karkar regions. The PMPF reportedly succeeded in blocking off potential pirate ransom supply routes, in the process forcing two hijacked vessels to leave the Bari seaboard for the Indian Ocean . Aboard one of the commandeered ships was wanted pirate leader Isse Yuluh, who had been implicated in at least one hostage-taking plot, among other illicit maritime activity. On May 26, 2012,
10744-633: The Puntland Maritime Police Force, in collaboration with local residents, seized four Yemeni fishing boats that were reportedly fishing illegally in Puntland territorial waters in the Bari region. According to PMPF Commander Abdirisak Dirie Farah, 62 Yemenis and 7 Somali nationals were arrested during the operation, which took place near the town of Bargal. The suspects were being held in the coastal town for further interrogations. The Puntland Maritime Police Force possesses both maritime and land security capacities. The force has three Ayres Thrush low-wing aircraft fitted with armored cockpits and engines to protect
10902-399: The Puntland State House in Garowe. The officials discussed various EU-financed development initiatives that are underway in Puntland, including education, health care and environmental protection projects. They also touched on the ongoing federalization and national reconciliation talks in Somalia, maritime and regional security, and the Puntland forces' victory over Al-Shabaab insurgents during
11060-420: The Puntland and Yemeni governments with President of Yemen Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi . The meeting was held at the presidential palace in Sana'a , and was also attended by a number of ministers from the Puntland regional administration. The delegations touched on bilateral trade, economic investments, security and international issues. According to the Presidential Office, the gathering concluded with an agreement by
11218-488: The Puntland authorities to open a consulate in Sana'a, with the Yemeni government likewise agreeing to open its own consulate in the Puntland region. On 21 May 2014, Gaas chaired a one-day roundtable meeting on the Puntland regional state's development priorities and targets at the Puntland Development Research Center (PDRC) in Garowe. The gathering was attended by officials from various national and international bodies as well as key partners, including representatives from
11376-523: The Puntland government under President Gaas to establish new seaports in the region. The initiative is part of a campaign pledge by Gaas to focus on tapping into Puntland's commercial potential through various development projects. According to Salah, he met in Djibouti with representatives from an international construction firm headquartered in China, who are scheduled to soon conduct a project evaluation for
11534-664: The Puntland presidency in Bosaso . Faiza Patel, the Chairperson of the Working Group, consequently recommended that "the authorities must integrate the force into the agreed-upon Somali national security structure and ensure that it is used strictly for the purposes for which it is intended." The delegation concluded that the PMPF was trained by South African personnel from Sterling Corporate Services. It also indicated that although it had received reports suggesting that Sterling/Saracen had previously been found to have violated
11692-684: The SCS and PMPF in several reports had formed a "private army" in contravention of the 1992 arms embargo against Somalia. The Somali Federal Parliament demanded that the Federal Government explain the presence of "foreign companies illegally operating in the country", and in January 2012 the TFG Minister of Information stated that the government would terminate its relationship with Saracen: a decision that it considered "binding on all Somali territories." The Puntland authorities reportedly defied
11850-733: The Somali Federal Government, Turkey, Sweden, World Bank, United Nations, European Union, African Union and IGAD. Gaas opened the conference with a briefing of his administration's development goals for the next five years, which would be centered on economic growth, health, education and security. Ambassador Mahamet Saleh Annadif, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, also commended Puntland on its democratization process and emphasized
12008-546: The Somali expatriate community and Puntland public, and US, AU and IGAD representatives. In his inaugural speech, Gaas outlined his intention to prioritize the security sector in order to create an environment conducive for investment. He also indicated that his administration would facilitate commercial development and trade by renovating and growing the region's existing transport infrastructure, and would seek to tap into Puntland's natural resources through inclusive cooperation. Additionally, Gaas pledged to deliver social services in
12166-597: The Somali fishing industry was considered to have a lot of potential owing to its unexploited marine stocks. The government at this time permitted foreign fishing through official licensing or joint venture agreements, forming two such partnerships in the Iraqi-Somali Siadco and Italian-Somali Somital ventures. After the collapse of the central government in the ensuing civil war, the Somali Navy disbanded in 1990–1991. With Somali territorial waters undefended, foreign fishing trawlers began illegally fishing on
12324-438: The Somali seaboard and ships began dumping industrial and other waste off the Somali coast. This led to erosion of the fish stock and local fishermen started to band together to try to protect their resources. An escalation began, leading to weapons being used and tactics such as taking over a foreign ship until their owners paid a ransom. Pirate activity reportedly began off the coast around 2000, but rapidly escalated during
12482-574: The Somalia port city of Eyl . The ship was carrying 17,000 tonnes of cargo, of which 5,000 tonnes were relief supplies bound for Somalia, Uganda, and Kenya. On 12 April 2009, U.S. Navy SEAL snipers killed the three pirates who were holding Captain Richard Phillips hostage aboard a lifeboat from Maersk Alabama after determining that Captain Phillips' life was in immediate danger. A fourth pirate, Abdul Wali Muse , surrendered and
12640-570: The Somalian coast. According to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) the first successful hijacking of a cargo vessel in the area after six years happened in December 2023. On March 17 2024 Indian naval commandos led a rescue operation taking back control over the vessel about 500 km off the coast of Somalia bringing the 35 Somali pirates to prosecution in Mumbai. This resurface of piracy in
12798-733: The Straits or employed in the coastal trade on either side of the Straits." On 19 November 2008, the Indian Navy warship INS Tabar sank a suspected pirate mothership . Later, it was claimed to be a Thai trawler being hijacked by pirates. The Indian Navy later defended its actions by stating that its ship was fired upon first. On 21 November 2008, BBC News reported that the Indian Navy had received United Nations approval to enter Somali waters to combat piracy. On 8 April 2009, four Somali pirates seized MV Maersk Alabama 240 nautical miles (440 km; 280 mi) southeast of
12956-477: The Supreme Court and Islamic scholars. On 4 February 2014, Puntland lawmakers approved the new state Cabinet during a session at the parliament hall in Garowe. Moments before the vote of confidence took place, President Ali briefed the present legislators on his government's plans and priorities. All 55 MPs present in the 66-seat chamber subsequently voted in favor of the new Council of Ministers. Ali thanked
13114-485: The UAE Ambassador to Somalia Mohamed Al Osmani to discuss bilateral relations. Al Osmani asserted that his government would continue supporting progress by Puntland's new leadership. A Puntland presidential office representative also indicated that both parties had reached an agreement stipulating that the UAE government would continue supporting the Puntland Maritime Police Force. The Emirati authorities have funded
13272-615: The UAE government pledged it would make. In June 2014, Puntland President Gaas along with Bosaso Mayor Hassan Abdallah Hassan and other Puntland state officials inaugurated a new 5.9 km paved road in Bosaso. The construction project leads to the Port of Bosaso , and was completed in conjunction with UNHABITAT. According to Gaas, his administration plans to invest at least 23 million Euros in contributions from international partners in similar road infrastructure development initiatives. In August 2014, Puntland Transport and Seaports Minister Abdullahi Jama Salah announced ongoing efforts by
13430-484: The UN arms embargo on Somalia and that the firm's activities went beyond training, less foreign personnel were still involved in the PMPF's operations and most of Saracen's activities had already ended. In June 2012, the Puntland government indicated that it had contracted the U.S.-based private military firm Bancroft Global Development to take over general training of the Puntland Maritime Police Force. Bancroft also serves as
13588-467: The UN that "piracy is a symptom of anarchy and insecurity on the ground" and that "more security on the ground will make less piracy on the seas." Somali President Sharif Ahmed pledged at the conference that he would fight piracy and to loud applause said that "it is our duty to pursue these criminals not only on the high seas, but also on terra firma". The Somali government has not gone after pirates because pirate leaders currently have more power than
13746-405: The United States to come to its aid—an uncommon occurrence between both nations at the time. A U.S. Naval vessel helped North Korean sailors get back their ship. Some Somali pirates were wounded during the operation. North Korea thanked the U.S. for its help shortly afterwards. In November 2008, Somali pirates began hijacking ships well outside the Gulf of Aden , perhaps targeting ships headed for
13904-603: The acts of piracy. At the 101st council of the International Maritime Organization, India called for a United Nations peacekeeping force under unified command to tackle piracy off Somalia. (There has been a general and complete arms embargo against Somalia since 1992.) In October 2007, Somali pirates hijacked a North Korean cargo ship. This was called the Dai Hong Dan incident . Somali pirates took North Korean sailors hostage, prompting
14062-696: The adoption of best management practices by vessel owners and crews, armed private security on board ships, a significant naval presence, and the development of onshore security forces. With the increase in illegal fishing off Somalia after the 2013 decline in piracy, fishing vessels became targets in a few incidents in 2015. In March two Iranian vessels and in November one Iranian and a Thai vessel were attacked. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas ( Somali : Cabdiweli Maxamad Cali Gaas pronounced [ʕabdiweli maħamad ʕali gaːs] ; Arabic : عبدالولي محمد علي گاس ; English pronunciation ), also more known as Abdiweli Gaas ,
14220-632: The area is closely linked to the unaltered root causes and the instability which the war creates in the area. In the early 1980s, prior to the outbreak of the civil war in Somalia, the Somali Ministry of Fisheries and the Coastal Development Agency (CDA) launched a development program focusing on the establishment of agricultural and fishery cooperatives for artisanal fishermen. It also received significant foreign investment funds for various fishery development projects, as
14378-404: The areas of free education, health and women's development, and highlighted the importance of strengthening relations with the federal government. He likewise gave a 100-day window for the unity conference for Puntland's various constituencies, vowing to revive the "spirit of 1998" when Puntland state was established. On 15 January 2014, Gaas appointed Deeq Sulaiman Yusuf as the new Director of
14536-537: The authorities more easily distinguish legitimate fishermen from possible pirate suspects. In addition, FAO representative to Somalia Luca Alinovi noted that the database will enable fishermen to work in a secure environment. According to the New York Anti-Piracy Trust Fund, more than 3,100 fishermen already registered in the new biometric database over the previous 12 months. In March 2014, President Gaas discussed bilateral cooperation with
14694-526: The captured individuals was Mohamed Mohamud Mohamed Hassan (Dhafoor), a pirate sought by the Puntland authorities for his purported role in the hijacking of commercial vessels along the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean shipping lanes. Dhafoor was also reportedly among the group of pirates who had killed five PMPF personnel and wounded eight others during a PMPF hostage rescue effort in March 2011 in Hul Anod, where
14852-413: The case would be tried in court. In December 2012, a group of eight rogue PMPF fighters guarding the impounded MV Daesan and its crew briefly hijacked the vessel. However, the Puntland authorities managed to retrieve the ship within a period of 24 hours. The fighters were subsequently detained in the Puntland military court on December 22, pending a trial. According to a Puntland government press release,
15010-605: The city, the new protection force was also tasked with combating banditry and other vices. In October 2011, a coordinated operation between the Somalian military and the Kenyan military referred to as Linda Nchi began, with Kenyan troops crossing the border into southern Somalia in pursuit of Al-Shabaab militants that are alleged to have kidnapped several foreign tourists and workers inside Kenya. Prime Minister Ali along with President of Somalia Sharif Ahmed initially opposed
15168-486: The coast of Somalia occurs in the Gulf of Aden , Guardafui Channel , and Somali Sea , in Somali territorial waters and other surrounding places and has a long troubled history with different perspectives from different communities. It was initially a threat to international fishing vessels during the early 2000s, only to rapidly escalate and expand to international shipping during the War in Somalia (2006–2009) . Somali waters have high fisheries production potential, but
15326-710: The coast of Somalia by establishing a Maritime Security Patrol Area (MSPA) within the Gulf of Aden. However, many foreign naval vessels chasing pirates were forced to break off when the pirates entered Somali territorial waters. To address this, in June 2008, following a letter from the Somali TFG to the President of the UN Security Council requesting assistance for the TFG's efforts to tackle acts of piracy off
15484-645: The coast of Somalia, the UN Security Council unanimously passed a declaration authorizing nations that have the consent of the Transitional Federal Government to enter Somali territorial waters to deal with pirates. On the advice of lawyers, the Royal Navy and other international naval forces have often released suspected pirates that they have captured because, although the men are frequently armed, they have not been caught engaging in acts of piracy and have thus not technically committed
15642-467: The commandeered ship's crew on board as opposed to separate locations, the Force first attempted a direct rescue of the hostages on December 10. When this failed, PMPF units blockaded the vessel, killing three pirates and capturing three others who were attempting to smuggle in weapons reinforcements. The MV Iceberg 1 was subsequently taken into Puntland government custody, and all 22 of its rescued crew were given medical attention. In November 2013, during
15800-429: The commercial sector, Gaas noted the importance of tax revenue, reminding the local business community to fulfill its tax obligations. He also indicated that effective policies were scheduled for the payment of civil service salaries. Gaas likewise announced that he would hold a reconciliation conference for Puntland's various constituencies, describing the initiative as the first step in his administration's action plan and
15958-558: The country. On 8 January 2014, he was elected the 5th President of the Puntland . During his tenure as the state's President, Gaas launched a new biometric fishery database, strengthened bilateral cooperation with the European Union in the security and development sectors, initiated taxation reform with regard to international organizations working in Puntland , established a new mutual consulate agreement with Yemen , finalized
16116-440: The crew and aircraft from hostile ground fire. The aircraft are each armed with a US built small gatling gun, and US built air to surface missiles. It also operates an Antonov An-26 transport aircraft and an Aérospatiale Alouette III helicopter. For naval capabilities, it operates three rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs), which are armed with 12.7 millimetres (0.50 in) DShK heavy machine guns . The boats are propelled by
16274-530: The day the ship was retaken that "we'll have to do what our forefathers did when they met the pirates" until a suitable way of prosecuting them is available. On 11 May 2010, Somali pirates seized a Bulgarian-flagged ship in the Gulf of Aden . Panega , with 15 Bulgarian crew members aboard, was en route from the Red Sea to India or Pakistan. This was the first such hijacking of a Bulgarian-flagged ship. On 12 May 2010, Athens announced that Somali pirates had seized
16432-401: The decision. The Monitoring Group also alleged that a trainee died after being "hogtied with his arms and feet bound behind his back and beaten"—an accusation disputed by SCS, which described the incident as “Somali-on-Somali violence” that was not indicative of the overall training program. It said that the allegations did not reflect on the professional training, but that professional training
16590-492: The deck of the vessel, as well as ammunition on the detained suspects. The three suspects were transferred to Munro . On 28 May 2007, a Chinese sailor was killed by the pirates because the ship's owners failed to meet their ransom demand. On 5 October 2008, the United Nations Security Council adopted resolution 1838 calling on nations with vessels in the area to apply military force to repress
16748-507: The delegations issued a joint communique pledging coordinated military, political and diplomatic support for the mission, requesting that AMISOM peacekeepers police areas captured from Al-Shabaab, and that the International Criminal Court (ICC) begin formal investigations against the group's commanders. In addition, Prime Minister Gaas urged the international community to support the joint operation, and stated that
16906-649: The deployment of Kenyan troops into the country, as they felt it was a breach of an earlier joint defence pact reached with the Kenyan government that limited Kenya's support to logistical activities. On 31 October, a Somalian delegation led by Prime Minister Ali met in Nairobi with the Kenyan Premier Raila Odinga and other government officials to iron out differences and to outline a joint strategy vis-a-vis Operation Linda Nchi. After lengthy talks,
17064-788: The diaspora, and women and youth. During his 20-minute speech, Gaas touched on his development plan for the region, which he indicated would focus on institution building, good governance, security, justice, economy and reconciliation. While commending previous Puntland administrations for having established an effective state security structure, he wavered to further strengthen the sector by ensuring that all regional security processes were government-led. Gaas also indicated that he intended to tap into existing institutional capacity building initiatives and opportunities, including sending government staff abroad for special skills training. Additionally, Gaas pledged to prioritize administrative transparency, as well as launch social campaigns on justice. With regard to
17222-484: The east of Bosaso, where it had reportedly been unloading toxic substances into the sea over a period of several days. Acting on the gathered intelligence, the Force deployed both air and maritime support to the area and took into custody the 33 person crew. On November 18, 2012, the Puntland government issued a press release condemning the vessel owners' and crew's waste dumping, which it described as an "illegal and environmentally destructive practice". It also indicated that
17380-667: The energy, agricultural and security sectors. He also established a governmental committee to formulate an official money remittance policy for the Puntland regional state. Gaas is originally from Puntland state in northeastern Somalia. He holds both Somali and American citizenship . He is multilingual, being fluent in Somali , Arabic , Italian and English . Gaas is married to Hodan Isse , founder of HEAL, and university professor. The couple have four children. Gaas initially studied in Mogadishu , Somalia's capital. Here he earned
17538-467: The establishment of permanent democratic institutions in Somalia by mid-2012, when the Transitional Federal Government's mandate expired. In February 2012, the Premier and other Somali government officials met in the northeastern town of Garowe to discuss post-transition political arrangements. After extensive deliberations attended by regional actors and international observers, the conference ended in
17696-482: The force's Director. Its main base is located in Qaw , Bari . The PMPF was established after the Puntland administration in 2010 passed Somalia's first Anti-Piracy Law. According to the former president of Puntland Abdirahman Mohamud Farole , the Force was formed in response to requests from the international community and the U.N. Security Council to establish local anti-piracy law enforcement institutions. Erik Prince ,
17854-554: The force. According to a UN working group, its chain of command is not clear, as its legal basis in Somali or Puntland law is not documented, and it appears to report only to the President of Puntland . In 2012, before the PMPF was deployed, the Monitoring group said that its primary focus was internal security operations. The UN Mercenaries' Working Group reported after its visit to Puntland in December 2012 that "...financing for
18012-730: The gathered legislators about his government program, reiterating his focus on commercial development, security, reconciliation and institutional capacity building. On 28 January 2014, the Chief of Cabinet at the Presidential office, Deeq Suleiman Yusuf, announced President Gaas' new Council of Ministers at a press conference at the Puntland State House in Garowe. The new ministerial line-up consisted of 47 officials, including returning politicians, opposition figures, diaspora members and business leaders. Two former Presidents of
18170-443: The government. In 2008 the pirates are estimated to have gained about $ 80 million through ransom payments. George Mason University professor Peter Leeson suggested that the international community appropriate Somali territorial waters and sell them, together with the international portion of the Gulf of Aden, to a private company which would then provide security from piracy in exchange for charging tolls to world shipping through
18328-535: The hard work and the national obligations done by my government then you will be giving me your votes." v was among the four contestants who made it to the second round of voting. However, he and another candidate subsequently dropped out, leaving former TFG president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed to contest the presidency with the eventual winner, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud . Gaas' term as Prime Minister of Somalia ended on 6 October 2012, when newly elected President Mohamud appointed entrepreneur and economist Abdi Farah Shirdon to
18486-486: The hijacking of the Thai-flagged fishing boat Sirichai Nava 12 by three Somalis on the evening of 16 March, as well as a fax indicating that the hijackers demanded U.S. $ 800,000 in ransom for the vessel's crew. Commander, Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 tasked Invincible , Nottingham and Munro to investigate the situation. A Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) team from Munro boarded Sirichai Nava , while
18644-420: The hijacking was a plot orchestrated by politically motivated individuals and pirates, with the aim of distracting attention away from the PMPF's concurrent rescue attempts of the long-held MV Iceberg 1 and its crew. On April 24, 2013, PMPF personnel arrested 78 Iranian sailors that were illicitly fishing off the coast of Bosaso. The Force was acting on a tip that illegal fishing vessels were operating between
18802-556: The importance of the region's stability as well as its position as a role model for other federal states in Somalia. The roundtable meeting concluded with a joint press conference including EU Envoy to Somalia Ambassador Michele Cervone D'urso, during which President Gaas announced that the international representatives had agreed to support the Puntland administration's five-year development plan. Between 27–29 December 2014, Gaas, Puntland cabinet members, director generals, heads of agencies and departments, and senior government officials held
18960-459: The initiative as a flagship project aimed at advancing the local aviation sector. Ambassador Marcelli similarly hailed the development, which was originally launched in 2013 under the incumbency of erstwhile Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole. The China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation is now slated to upgrade the airport's existing gravel runway, pave it with asphalt, and convert it from 1.8 km to 2.65 km in accordance with
19118-424: The international community to support the Somali government's extant efforts aimed at developing its maritime defensive capacity, including the possibility of acquiring speed boats and warships to more effectively secure the country's extensive seaboard. Prime Minister Gaas has been credited with devising the formal "Roadmap for the End of Transition", a political process that provided clear benchmarks leading toward
19276-408: The littoral for the captured ships. Commander Farah indicated that the pirates boarded the docked vessels and fled the district for the Indian Ocean upon learning of the PMPF's presence. According to a Puntland government official, Puntland security forces launched an aerial assault on June 6, 2012, targeting a wanted pirate leader in the village of Bali Dhidid . Personnel aboard a helicopter fired on
19434-414: The lucrative piracy business during this early period. Seeing the profitability of ransom payments, some financiers and former militiamen started to fund pirate activities, sharing the profits equally with the pirates. In most of the hijackings, the pirates have not harmed their prisoners. Combined Task Force 150 , a multinational coalition task force, subsequently took on the role of fighting piracy off
19592-457: The maritime force is now not only focused on combating piracy but also on addressing threats posed by these extremist groups. On December 23, 2012, PMPF troops concluded a two-week siege operation against the Panama -flagged MV Iceberg 1 in the coastal town of Gara'ad . The vessel had been hijacked over two years prior, on March 29, 2010. Acting on gathered intelligence that pirates were holding
19750-493: The mission "would be led by Somali forces with support of Kenyan forces". The two delegations also formed a joint high-level co-ordinating committee to maintain regular contacts between their respective governments. In early June 2012, Kenyan forces were formally integrated into AMISOM. Analysts expect the additional AU troop reinforcements to help the Somali authorities gradually expand their territorial control. On 7 August 2012, Prime Minister Gaas announced that his government
19908-592: The most rapid increase occurred during the 1990s after the collapse of the Federal government under Siad Barre and the ensuing civil war . Somalia was designated as a failed state in 1992, with extensive internal conflicts and major instability continuing until 2012, when the Federal Government of Somalia was established, which despite the intervention and support of foreign forces, could not fully establish its authority with threats from jihadist group al-Shabaab , so Somalia remained characterised as
20066-488: The mother vessel, MV Prantalay 14 – a hijacked Thai trawler, which hurriedly hoisted the two skiffs on board and moved westward. The Indian Navy deployed INS Cankaraso (T73) which located and engaged the mothership 100 nautical miles (190 km) north of the Minicoy island. Ten pirates were killed while 15 were apprehended and 20 Thai and Burmese fishermen being held aboard the ship as hostages were rescued. Within
20224-529: The new Cabinet, which included three other female Deputy ministers. On 29 January 2014, Puntland's new Cabinet held its first meeting at the State House in Garowe. The Council of Ministers was officially sworn into office at the same venue on 1 February. The swearing-in function was attended by a number of public figures from the state, including the Vice President, Parliament Speaker, chairman of
20382-457: The new Puntland authorities. The decision is part of a pledge by Puntland President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali to increase the government's development funding in part through higher taxation. Toward this end, the Puntland authorities already increased taxes on commercial firms operating in the state in order to meet regional financing benchmarks. In May 2014, Puntland President Gaas made an official visit to Yemen to discuss bilateral cooperation between
20540-493: The new constitution on 1 August, with 96% voting for it, 2% against it, and 2% abstaining. In early August 2012, Prime Minister Gaas officially announced his intention to present himself as a presidential candidate in Somalia's 2012 elections . Speaking before a gathering of hundreds of supporters in Mogadishu, Gaas highlighted his administration's various achievements during its brief tenure, saying that "if you appreciate all
20698-553: The new council of ministers. Gaas also pledged to include more women in the incoming cabinet, and vowed to strengthen the security sector. Additionally, he asked for input and cooperation from the general public. On 15 January 2014, President Gaas engaged in a question and answer session with over 100 members of the public at the Puntland Development Research Center (PDRC) in Garowe. The event included politicians, former cabinet ministers, members of
20856-445: The new recruits during their training regimen. The former are slated to compose the principal leadership for future training and counter-piracy missions. Additional recruitment drives are also scheduled during the year. Since its establishment, the PMPF has been deployed in various missions. During the 2011 drought, the force assisted in humanitarian efforts, including a water and food supply program in southern Puntland. In March 2012,
21014-544: The office. Following the establishment of the Federal Parliament of Somalia in August 2012, Gaas briefly served as an MP in the new legislature. He represented Galkayo constituency. In August 2013, Gaas launched a campaign to run for President of the autonomous Puntland state in the northeastern region's 2014 elections . After meeting with Puntland leaders in the UAE , opposition groups agreed that he would make
21172-405: The operation; the crew of 21 was freed with the captain suffering a gunshot wound to the stomach. The captain fully recovered later. On 28 January 2011, an Indian Coast Guard aircraft while responding to a distress call from CMA CGM Verdi , located two skiffs attempting a piracy attack near Lakshadweep . Seeing the aircraft, the skiffs immediately aborted their piracy attempt and dashed towards
21330-399: The outgoing Puntland administration for its achievements, and vowed to continue and build on them. Wishing Farole well in his future endeavors, Ali also noted that his administration would benefit going forward from Farole's advice and support as a statesman. On 25 January 2014, Puntland President Gaas and Vice President Abdihakim Abdullahi Haji Omar were officially inaugurated into office at
21488-550: The parliament for the endorsement, and reiterated his administration's commitment to good governance. On 27 March 2014, Puntland President Gaas in conjunction with representatives from the EU and FAO officially launched a new database for registering local fishermen. Referred to as the Fishermen Identification Database System, it is a $ 400,000 project financed by a Trust Fund from seven EU Member States. The database will provide fishermen in
21646-603: The pirates until Moore was freed, September 22, 2014, after $ USD1.6 million dollars ransom was paid, and following 977 days of captivity. Moore's account is detailed in his memoir, The Desert and the Sea: 977 Days Captive on the Somali Pirate Coast . On 25 January 2012, Navy SEALs parachuted from a C-130 Hercules twelve miles north of the Somali town of Adado, Galguduud , where pirates held hostages in order to seek ransom for them. The SEALs, traveling on foot from
21804-563: The pirates. CIA officials had been publicly warning of this potential threat for months. In a Harper's Magazine article, a CIA official said, "We need to deal with this problem from the beach side, in concert with the ocean side, but we don't have an embassy in Somalia and limited, ineffective intelligence operations. We need to work in Somalia and in Lebanon , where a lot of the ransom money has changed hands. But our operations in Lebanon are
21962-659: The port of Mombasa , Kenya. The frequency and sophistication of the attacks also increased around this time, as did the size of vessels being targeted. Large cargo ships, oil and chemical tankers on international voyages became the new targets of choice for the Somali hijackers. This is in stark contrast to the pirate attacks which were once frequent in the Strait of Malacca , another strategically important waterway for international trade, which were according to maritime security expert Catherine Zara Raymond , generally directed against "smaller, more vulnerable vessels carrying trade across
22120-590: The position by the former premier Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed , he served as an integral part of a technocratic Cabinet. On 19 June 2011, Gaas was appointed the Acting Premier of Somalia after Prime Minister Mohamed abruptly resigned from office as part of a controversial agreement signed in Kampala between the President and the Parliament Speaker. A few days later, on 23 June 2011, Gaas
22278-411: The region with a unique identification card. It uses biometric data, which can differentiate between the identities of individuals. Registering fishermen will allow the Puntland government to identify who fishes in its waters, and to ensure efficacious management of fisheries and sustainable resource use through the gathering of vital data. President Ali indicated that the system is also expected to help
22436-472: The region's new leadership. On 14 January 2014, former Puntland President Farole officially handed over power to his successor Gaas. The transfer ceremony was held at the Puntland State House in Garowe, with incumbent Puntland Vice President Abdihakim Abdullahi Haji Omar , former Puntland Vice President Abdisamad Ali Shire , outgoing and erstwhile Puntland cabinet ministers, the Ethiopian consul-general in
22594-509: The region, UNSOM officials and other international representatives in attendance. During his hand over speech, Farole recapped the accomplishments of his administration, and noted a number of infrastructural development projects in the region that were scheduled for implementation. He also thanked all members of government for having worked for the greater communal good, and pledged to assist the incoming leadership with any advice and consultations should it require them. President Gaas in turn thanked
22752-583: The region. In December 2014, Gaas laid the foundation stone for a new runway at the Bender Qassim International Airport in Bosaso. The inauguration event was attended by cabinet ministers, legislators, traditional leaders, and various international officials, including tender winner China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation , financial partner and Ambassador of Italy to Somalia Farbizio Marcelli, and United Nations Office for Project Services representatives. Gaas described
22910-468: The same period in 2011. Somali pirates have attacked hundreds of vessels in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean region, though most attacks do not result in a successful hijacking. In 2008, there were 111 attacks which included 42 successful hijackings. However, this is only a fraction of the up to 30,000 merchant vessels which pass through that area. The rate of attacks in January and February 2009
23068-506: The seven men were fishermen, but a European Union Naval Force spokesman stated they were captured as they fired AK-47 assault rifles at a French fishing vessel . The Chandlers were released on 14 November 2010 after 388 days of captivity. At least two ransom payments, reportedly over £ 500,000, had been made. In April 2010, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) alluded to possible covert and overt action against
23226-600: The sustainability of those fisheries is compromised by the presence of foreign fishing vessels, many of them fishing illegally. The Somali domestic fishing sector is small and poorly developed, whereas foreign vessels have fished in Somali waters for at least seven decades. Some foreign vessels and their crew have been viewed by Somali artisanal fishers as a threat to their traditional livelihoods. Many foreign vessels directly compete for fish, reducing fish populations and destroying marine habitat through bottom trawling. Foreign fishing has increased more than twenty-fold since 1981, and
23384-494: The third round. Farole initially led the final round with 31 votes, with Ali receiving 18 votes. However, a late rally by Gaas saw him eventually win the election, narrowly defeating Farole by 33 votes to 32. The victory officially makes Gaas the 5th President of Puntland . In his acceptance speech, Gaas expressed gratitude for the opportunity as well as the work of the Farole administration. He also pledged to defend and adhere to
23542-556: The use of kidnapped sailors as human shields . On 15 January 2011 13 Somali pirates seized Samho Jewelry , a Maltese-flagged chemical carrier operated by Samho Shipping, 650 km southeast of Muscat . The Republic of Korea Navy destroyer Choi Young shadowed Samho Jewelry for several days. In the early morning of 21 January 2011, 25 ROK Navy SEALs on small boats launched from Choi Young boarded Samho Jewelry while Choi Young ' s Westland Super Lynx provided covering fire. Eight pirates were killed and five captured in
23700-562: The wrong signal" and that additional coordination was needed among nations. On 23 April 2009, international donors pledged over $ 250 million for Somalia, including $ 134 million to increase the African Union peacekeeping mission from 4,350 troops to 8,000 troops and $ 34 million for Somali security forces. Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon told delegates at a donors' conference sponsored by
23858-526: Was about 10 times higher than during the same period in 2008 and "there have been almost daily attacks in March", with 79 attacks, 21 successful, by mid-April. Most of these attacks occurred in the Gulf of Aden but subsequently the pirates increased their range and started attacking ships as far south as off the coast of Kenya in the Indian Ocean. Below are some notable pirate events which have garnered significant media coverage since 2007. The United States Coast Guard cutter USCGC Munro , working with
24016-416: Was an Associate Professor of Economics in the Department of Commerce of Niagara University , having joined the school in 2003. His main academic areas of concentration have been in public finance, public choice and international trade. Gaas' current research endeavors center around the impact that institutions have on economic growth. Gaas has written articles for many peer-reviewed journals, including
24174-649: Was fired upon. INS Tir returned fire in which three pirates were injured and caused the pirates to raise a white flag indicating their surrender. INS Tir subsequently was joined by CGS Samar of the Indian Coast Guard. Officials from the Indian Navy reported that a total of 52 men were apprehended, but of that 24 are believed to be Thai fishermen who were hostages of the 28 African pirates. In late February 2011, piracy targeting smaller yachts and collecting ransom made headlines when four Americans were killed aboard their vessel, Quest , by their captors, while
24332-694: Was named permanent prime minister. Lawmakers welcomed Gaas' nomination and reaffirmed their opposition to and intention of repealing the Kampala Accord . In a session held on 28 June 2011, Members of Parliament overwhelmingly approved Ali's appointment as prime minister. 337 of the MPs endorsed the selection, while 2 voted against it and 2 abstained. On 23 July 2011, Parliament unanimously endorsed Prime Minister Gaas' selection of new Cabinet officials. The ministerial posts were expanded to include an additional 9 state ministers and 26 deputy ministers, bringing
24490-550: Was needed. The Puntland government shortly afterwards said that the "SEMG reports to the U.N. Security Council have been drafted in an unprofessional manner and intentionally biased against the Puntland Government's consistent anti-piracy activities." Following closed meetings between the PMPF's UAE sponsor and UN officials to ensure compliance with international law, the Puntland authorities opted to end Sterling's work contract. According to SCS's lawyer, Wilna Lubbe,
24648-468: Was set to re-establish the Somali Navy , which had disbanded shortly after the outbreak of the civil war in the early 1990s. Speaking to reporters in the capital, the Premier indicated that his administration wanted to create a well-trained national marine force capable of efficiently patrolling Somalia's territorial waters and putting an end to the illegal plunder of the country's resources by foreign companies and nations. He also indicated that he had asked
24806-405: Was taken into custody. He pled guilty to hijacking, kidnapping and hostage taking charges, receiving a sentence of 33 years and 9 months in Federal prison. On 20 April 2009, United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton commented on the capture and release of seven Somali pirates by Dutch Naval forces who were on a NATO mission. After an attack on Handytankers Magic , a petroleum tanker,
24964-478: Was tasked with assessing and addressing the needs of the drought-impacted segments of the population. In August 2011, Prime Minister Gaas announced the creation of a new Special Force (SP) division of the Somali National Army (SNA). Consisting of 300 trained soldiers, the unit was initially mandated with protecting relief shipments and distribution centers in Mogadishu. Besides helping to stabilize
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