Puntland authorities have intercepted a foreign cargo vessel transporting Turkish-marked weapons and military vehicles to Mogadishu city in Somalia.

The Sea World, a Comoros-flagged vessel, was seized by the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) on July 18 near Bareeda in the Gardafuu region. According to officials, the ship encountered a storm and suffered mechanical failure before being boarded by Puntland forces. 

According to a Somali Guardian report citing Puntland officials, the seized ship was carrying modern armored personnel carriers, anti-aircraft guns, and other military-grade weapons. Some of the weapons were reportedly looted by civilians.

Footage circulating on social media shows armored vehicles onboard the vessel marked with Turkish flags.

Video: #Puntland marine forces seized a cargo-ship carrying heavy weaponry, sophisticated military equipment, incl. armoured vehicles, advanced rocket mechines, were enroute to #Mogadishu, delivered by Turkish govt-security sources.

No word yet from Turkey, Puntland, or Somalia. pic.twitter.com/XcWWob0xIk

— Mohammed Omar (@Mhmd_Omar01) July 19, 2025

Local officials said the vessel is under strict surveillance by the PMPF, and an investigation into the ship and its cargo is underway.

The Somali government has strongly condemned the incident.

“The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Federal Government of Somalia strongly condemns the unlawful hijacking of a Turkish vessel transporting military equipment intended for the TURKSOM military in Mogadishu,” the ministry said in a statement. 

“The Turkish government has played a crucial role in rebuilding Somalia’s national army and continues to support our path toward peace and security. Any attempt to undermine this partnership will not be tolerated,” it added. 

The incident follows a 2024 case in which civilians looted two truckloads of smuggled weapons near Abudwaq. According to reports, the arms were trafficked from Ethiopia through brokers allegedly connected to the Somali federal government.