Galkayo (WDN) — Puntland has declared the successful completion of the first phase of its security operation in Mudug, announcing that armed forces stationed at the Istanbul military camp in Galkayo’s Garsoor district have agreed to join the Puntland Defence Forces. In a statement, the Puntland Police said the first phase of the operation had focused on strengthening security, restoring public order and consolidating the state’s security command under legitimate government institutions. “The Puntland Defence Forces have officially concluded the first phase of the security operation in Mudug, focusing on strengthening security, restoring law and order, and consolidating security authority under government institutions,” the statement said. Meanwhile, several military officers from the Leelkase community held a press conference in Galkayo and announced their decision to join Puntland’s security forces. For Puntland, the message is increasingly clear: security authority must ultimately rest with accountable state institutions, not competing armed formations.