Israel’s Secret Radar Deal in Bosaso Sparks Uproar as Puntland Remains Silent

Mogadishu – Puntland authorities are facing mounting criticism after refusing to address explosive allegations that the United Arab Emirates secretly installed Israeli-built radar systems in the strategic port city of Bosaso, raising alarms about hidden foreign military operations and deepening the rift with Somalia’s federal government.

The scandal gained momentum after reports from Middle East Eye and open-source analysts revealed the suspected deployment of an Israeli-made ELM-2084 Multi-Mission Radar near Bosaso Airport, close to the UAE-controlled military base. Satellite imagery from March 5 appears to show a radar-like structure positioned at coordinates 11°16’16.5″N 49°06’28.3″E, though independent confirmation remains pending.

Rather than offering clarification, Puntland’s State Minister for the Presidency, Abdifatah Abdinuur, reportedly responded to inquiries with satirical images mocking Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, further inflaming tensions.

Sources close to the matter disclosed that Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni personally authorized the radar’s installation without consulting either Somalia’s federal government or Puntland’s own legislature. “It was a highly secretive deal,” one insider told HOL. “Even senior Puntland ministers were deliberately kept out of the loop.”

The ELM-2084 radar, produced by Israel’s ELTA Systems, is capable of tracking over 1,000 aerial and ground targets across distances up to 470 kilometers. Its suspected deployment would vastly expand surveillance coverage along one of the world’s busiest maritime routes, giving the UAE unprecedented intelligence reach in the region.

Further complicating the situation, reports suggest that Bosaso Airport has been used to funnel weapons, ammunition, and Colombian mercenaries to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) — a group widely accused of war crimes. A satellite image dated March 5 shows a military transport plane parked at Bosaso, lending weight to these allegations.

Despite the gravity of the claims, Somalia’s federal government has remained largely muted, reportedly fearful of jeopardizing Emirati financial and military aid critical to counter-terrorism operations against Al-Shabaab. Nevertheless, Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi recently protested Abu Dhabi’s controversial engagement with Somaliland’s leadership, framing it as a violation of Somali sovereignty.

The UAE’s entrenchment in Puntland dates back to 2017, when it established the Bosaso Air Base under a maritime security pact. Since then, Abu Dhabi’s investments, including lucrative port deals via DP World, have largely circumvented Mogadishu, exacerbating federal-fragment tensions.

Locally, the UAE’s growing footprint has triggered protests among Bosaso’s fishing communities, who accuse Emirati forces of restricting traditional fishing grounds. Analysts warn that the addition of a high-powered radar system could escalate local unrest if it’s seen as serving foreign interests over Somali ones.

Regional experts also note that President Deni, a staunch UAE ally, may be courting Abu Dhabi’s backing for a possible bid in Somalia’s 2026 presidential elections.

Salim Said Salim, executive director of the SIDRA Institute, commented, “The administration’s refusal to confront the radar controversy only strengthens suspicions. Their silence speaks volumes.”