Bosaso, Somalia – The Puntland Minister of Information, Mahmoud Aydid Dirir, has firmly rejected reports alleging that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has established military bases or missile launch sites in Bosaso, a coastal city in eastern Somalia.

Speaking to Puntland-based media on May 7, Minister Dirir described the allegations as “groundless” and accused the Federal Government of Somalia and certain foreign media outlets of conducting a coordinated media campaign to discredit Puntland.

“These accusations are part of a broader effort to undermine Puntland’s reputation and its ongoing fight against terrorism,” the minister said.

In his remarks, Minister Dirir made it clear that Puntland’s priorities remain focused on internal stability and the fight against extremism. He emphasized that the regional state has no interest in initiating any external conflict.

“Puntland will never initiate an external conflict. Our priority is internal security and combating terrorism, and we strongly oppose anything that could harm the people of our brotherly nation, such as the people of Sudan. It is unimaginable that we would harm Puntland’s reputation,” said Minister Dirir.

He reiterated Puntland’s commitment to maintaining peace in the region and stated that the administration is not involved in any actions that could negatively impact Sudan or any neighboring country.

This clarification follows widespread speculation suggesting that the UAE is planning to establish a military base in Bosaso as part of a strategic move related to its activities in Sudan—a claim Puntland denies entirely.