On 15 March 2025, Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) and Puntland Dervish Force attacked Islamic State Somalia Province and engaged them in an armed clash in Xabley village (Bossaso, Bari). There were no casualties.

Somalia Puntland Armed Conflict Supply-chain Risk Briefing

1) Summary On March 15, 2025, Puntland maritime police and Dervish forces clashed with Islamic State Somalia branch in the Bosaso region of Bari province, Puntland, Somalia. The conflict ended without casualties, but indicates security instability in the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea connection area.

2) Supply-chain impact

• Bosaso port operation risks: Conflicts near Bosaso, a major port city in northern Somalia, could cause temporary disruptions to port operations and cargo handling
• Red Sea-Gulf of Aden route security concerns: Increased terrorist activity in this region could pressure international shipping companies to adjust shipping routes and face rising insurance premiums
• East Africa overland transport route impact: Instability in northern Somalia logistics networks used as alternative routes to the Ethiopia-Djibouti corridor
• Regional fuel supply chain vulnerability: Puntland region fuel storage facilities and distribution networks exposed to ongoing security threats

3) Watch points

• Whether additional clashes occur between Puntland government forces and IS Somalia branch and changes in Bosaso port accessibility
• Trends in increased piracy activity in nearby waters or adjustments in international shipping companies' operational patterns
• Ethiopia's landlocked cargo seeking alternative routes and trends in Djibouti port cargo volume changes