The Puntland Government expresses its gratitude for the fraternal relations and steadfast support that both the people and Government of Turkey have consistently extended to the Somali Nation.
The Somali State of Puntland—one of the Federal Member States of the Federal Republic of Somalia, entrusted with responsibility for the people and territory of Puntland in accordance with the Provisional Constitution of the Federal Government of Somalia and the Puntland State Constitution—wishes to convey its deep regret over the letter issued today (23 July 2025) by the Federal Government of Somalia, in which Puntland is accused of piracy for having seized a merchant vessel.
On 18 July 2025, the Puntland Maritime Police Force apprehended a ship named MV Sea World. Acting on intelligence regarding a cargo vessel that had been loitering for two days near the Bareda coast of the Ras Asayr region of Puntland, Puntland forces located and boarded the vessel. Although a group of young fishermen had already boarded the ship before the forces’ arrival, the Puntland personnel successfully took control of the vessel and secured its cargo, preventing it from falling into the hands of unauthorized parties.
That same evening, on 18 July 2025, Somali traders based in Mogadishu contacted the Puntland Government claiming ownership of the cargo and requesting the vessel’s immediate release. Simultaneously, the Turkish Ambassador to Somalia reached out—after reports emerged indicating that the ship’s cargo belonged to the Turkish Government. In light of these claims, Puntland authorities decided to bring MV Sea World into Bosaso Port for further inspection.
It is noteworthy that from 18 July up to today, 23 July 2025, the Federal Government of Somalia has not issued any official communication regarding the status of the vessel or its cargo, nor has it engaged in any dialogue with Puntland authorities—thus casting doubt on the true ownership of the cargo aboard the vessel. The Federal Government’s letter of 23 July 2025 further underscores this confusion, alleging that the cargo on MV Sea World is partly owned by Somali businessmen and partly by an entity known as TURKSOM.
Puntland hereby affirms that the entire cargo aboard MV Sea World consists solely of military equipment, and contains no goods of a commercial nature.
The Puntland Government continues its investigation into the vessel and the rightful ownership of its cargo to ensure that these materials do not fall into hands that might threaten Somalia’s security and stability. Puntland welcomes the involvement of both the Federal Government of Somalia and the Government of Turkey in completing this investigation.