Puntland authorities are closely monitoring military movements by Somalia’s federal government in the divided central town of Galkayo.
The regional administration says the deployments threaten stability and could trigger a direct armed confrontation between Puntland and Mogadishu.
Tensions intensified after Puntland forces captured 30 federal-aligned troops and seized 13 military vehicles near the commercial port of Bosaso.
Puntland has accused the federal government of using political and military pressure to undermine the semi-autonomous region’s fragile governing institutions.
Puntland leaders have also urged neighbouring Galmudug state to prevent its territory and airports from being used for hostile federal troop movements.
Reports say President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with local opposition figures as part of efforts to challenge regional leader Said Abdullahi Deni.
The escalating rivalry reflects a widening dispute over constitutional authority, resource sharing and the balance of power in Somalia.