UAE aircraft cleared to leave after row with Bosaso airport officials

Authorities at Bosaso airport in Puntland blocked UAE officials from loading their aircraft with military equipment causing a stand-off before the plane was allowed to leave, sources within the airport have said.

The plane left the airport after authorities searched the bags being loaded into the plane as the move by the Federal Government to terminate military ties with the Gulf country takes effect.

It was not immediately clear what kind of equipment was to be loaded into the plane but military vehicles drove into the airport where the UAE plane was stationed.

UAE trains, pays and equips Puntland Maritime Forces but the decision by the Federal Government to end the military relations between the two countries will now see responsibility of the forces moved to the state and federal government.

Authorities in Mogadishu last week confiscated $9.6 million from UAE plane causing a diplomatic row between Somalia and UAE which subsequently led to the declaration by Mogadishu to end military support from the Gulf nation.