Somalia's Puntland state rejects 'piracy' claim over seized ship

The Somali state of Puntland on Thursday rejected accusations of piracy made by the central government after it seized a ship off the province's coastline.

The oil-rich state declared autonomy from Somalia in 1998, but that has never been formally recognised, leaving relations deeply strained with the central government in the capital Mogadishu.

Last week the Puntland authorities intercepted a Comoros-flagged vessel, which the federal government said was transporting military equipment to a Turkish military camp in Mogadishu.

After days of silence, the federal government labelled the "hijacking" of the vessel "an act of piracy".

On Thursday, Puntland expressed "deep dismay" over the accusation.

In a statement, it said the vessel had been seized after it was observed "loitering" near the coast, to prevent the ship's cargo from "falling into the hands of unauthorised parties".

Puntland said the "entire cargo... consists solely of military equipment and contains no goods of a commercial nature".

Mogadishu had said previously the ship was carrying legally authorised military cargo, and commercial goods belonging to Somali traders.

"The Puntland Government continues its investigation into the vessel  and the rightful ownership of its cargo to ensure that the military equipment does not fall into hands that might threaten Somalia's security and stability," the Puntland authorities added.