Fighting Pirates and Terror: The Development of the Puntland Maritime Police Force, 2010-2023

The Somali region of Puntland is notable for its stability relative to the chronic insecurity characterizing the rest of Somalia. A major component of its security environment is the UAE-funded Puntland Maritime Police Force. Originally formed with a counter-piracy and maritime security mandate, the PMPF shifted its focus to counter-terrorism and played important roles in preventing the jihadist groups al-Shabaab and the Islamic State from seizing significant territory in Puntland. This study traces the development of the PMPF, focusing on the important role of the United Arab Emirates in creating, funding, and supervising the force. The essay argues that the PMPF has proven itself an effective fighting force, less beholden to clan interests and corrupt politicians than other Somali security forces...

Read the full article on the Taylor & Francis website.