Somalia-UAE tensions escalate after plane stopped in Puntland
Somali officials reportedly grounded a United Arab Emirates plane in Somalia after Emirati military instructors on board refused to allow a search of their baggage.
Last week, the Somali government had seized almost $10m in sealed bags from a UAE Royal Jet at Mogadishu International Airport.
These incidents reflect the frosty relations between Mogadishu and Abu Dhabi since June last year when Mogadishu resisted pressure from the UAE and Saudi Arabia to cut ties with Qatar.
The disagreement between Somalia and the UAE centres around two deals connected with the UAE, one to build a military base in the strategic port of Berbera in secessionist Somaliland.
Al Jazeera's Mohammed Adow reports.
RELATED NEWS
Live: Trump claims Maduro of Venezuela captured after attacks
03 January, 2026
Interim government of Bangladesh denies trial is politically motivated
17 November, 2025
Live: Bangladesh’s Hasina sentenced to death for crimes against humanity
17 November, 2025
LIVE: India, Pakistan launch probes after blasts in New Delhi, Islamabad
12 November, 2025
Live: Israel threatens Gaza war restart as Hamas searches for bodies
29 October, 2025
LIVE: Gaza death toll from Israeli attacks rises, despite ceasefire
15 October, 2025