Wednesday February 19, 2025

Garowe (HOL) – Puntland security forces arrested a group of Ethiopian migrants on Tuesday after they illegally crossed the border into Somalia, regional authorities confirmed. The detained individuals were immediately deported back to Ethiopia. 

Officials described the operation as part of ongoing efforts to combat smuggling networks, particularly as Puntland faces security threats from ISIS-affiliated militants, which have drawn foreign fighters into the region. 

“We are continuing to take strict measures to ensure the control and prevention of illegal activities that could pose security challenges,” said a senior Puntland military official. 

Last month, Puntland authorities deported around 1,000 undocumented Ethiopians from Garowe, the regional capital, in a broader crackdown on foreigners without legal status. 

The regional administration has intensified its efforts to remove undocumented migrants, particularly as it escalates military operations against ISIS strongholds in the Al-Miskaat mountains of the Bari region. 

Puntland remains a key transit point for migrants attempting to reach Gulf countries or other parts of Somalia, with illegal smuggling continuing to be a major challenge in the region.