At Bosaso Airport in Somalia’s Puntland state, the roar of heavy cargo planes has become a familiar sound. These aircraft, identified as IL-76 transport planes, are part of a clandestine operation that has raised eyebrows among local residents and international observers alike. According to multiple sources, including flight tracking data and satellite imagery, these planes originate from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and are destined for Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group accused of committing atrocities in the ongoing conflict in Darfur. The logistics materials transported are immediately transferred to standby aircraft, ensuring swift delivery to the RSF. The operation is shrouded in secrecy, with heavy security measures in place during loading and offloading. Local authorities, including the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF), have expressed concerns over the nature of these shipments, which are not for domestic use but rather serve as a covert transit point. The UAE has long funded the PMPF to combat piracy, but the recent influx of weapons and logistical support has strained relations between Mogadishu and Abu Dhabi. The presence of Colombian mercenaries at Bosaso Airport further complicates the situation, as they are reportedly involved in the conflict in Sudan. The UAE’s expanding influence in the region, driven by strategic interests and financial leverage, has drawn criticism from analysts who warn of the potential for broader geopolitical rivalries. Despite the concerns, Mogadishu has been unable to challenge the UAE’s activities in Puntland, highlighting the complex dynamics at play in the Horn of Africa.