Puntland Dervish Force
Ciidamada Daraawiishta Puntland | |
---|---|
Active | 1998-present |
Country | Somalia |
Type | Law enforcement, Counter-Terrorism |
Role | Law Enforcement, Counter-insurgency Internal Security |
Size | 10,000 |
Garrison/HQ | Garowe |
Engagements | War in Somalia (2006–2009) Galgala Campaign |
Commanders | |
Current commander |
General Said Dheere |
Notable commanders |
Colonel Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed General Abdullahi Ali Mire |
The Puntland Dervish Force (Somali: Ciidamada Daraawiishta Puntland, Arabic: أرض البنطبونتلاند فرقة الدراويش ) is the official paramilitary division of the Puntland Security Force.[1]
Contents
History
Following the outbreak of the civil war in 1991, a homegrown constitutional conference was held in Garowe in 1998 over a period of three months. Attended by the area's political elite, traditional elders (Issims), members of the business community, intellectuals and other civil society representatives, the autonomous Puntland State of Somalia was subsequently officially established so as to deliver services to the population, offer security, facilitate trade, and interact with both domestic and international partners.[2] The Puntland Security Force (PSF) was subsequently formed by the regional government.[3]
Since the founding of the state in 1998, the Puntland Dervish Force has operated in Puntland and throughout Somalia. Commanders and senior officials of the military are appointed by a qualified panel approved by the Council of Ministers.[3]
The Puntland security apparatus has an independent military judiciary, which during peace time only adjudges military proceedings. Retired members of the Force are also constitutionally guaranteed pensions.[3]
Equipment
- Individual Weapons
- Assault Rifle
- AKM (Assault Rifle - 7.62×39mm)
- AK-74 (Assault Rifle - 5.45×39mm)
- PK machine gun (General-purpose machine gun - 7.62×54mmR)
- Sniper Rifle
- SVD Dragunov (Sniper Rifle - 7.62×54mmR)
- Anti-Tank Explosive
- RPG-7 (rocket-propelled grenade launcher - 40 mm)
- Assault Rifle
- Vehicles
- Main Battle Tank
- Armoured Personnel Carrier
- Military trucks
- Renault GBC-180 (6×6)
- M939 Truck (6×6)
- Pickup trucks
- Toyota Landcruiser J79
- Toyota Hilux
- Nissan Frontier
- Armored Ford F350 Gun Truck
- Artillery and heavy machine guns
- Heavy machine guns
- Self-Propelled Artillery
- 122mm BM-21 Grad Multiple Rocket Launcher
- Mortar
- 60mm M-224
- Anti-Aircraft Gun
See also
- Puntland Maritime Police Force
- Puntland Intelligence Agency
- Military of Somalia
- Somali Salvation Democratic Front