Badhan, Somalia — Residents and government officials including Governor of Sanaag region in northern Somalia's Puntland autonomous region hosted a security a meeting in Baran discussing the recent security achievements, Garowe Online reports.

The security meeting was held in Badhan district in Sanaag region on Tuesday, and was attended by government officials, traditional elders, religious leaders, women leaders and other members of the community.

Governor of Sanaag region Mohamed Ismail Eyon, who convened the meeting, discussed recent arrests of 9 alleged Al Shabaab agents who were caught near the foothills of Golis Mountains where Al Shabaab militants are believed to maintain mountain hideouts and fought a war against Puntland forces in 2010.

"Security in the region is our main goal and anyone involved in disrupting security will be arrested and tried," said Governor Eyon.

Community members who attended the event commended the security authorities for their efforts in the region.

Governor Eyon also spoke about his recent travels through Sanaag region, praising the resident's cooperation with the Puntland authorities.

"In my visits throughout Sanaag I met pastoralists, farmers, businessmen/woman, youth and the elderly and I was welcomed and I thank them for their continued cooperation with the Puntland government," said Governor Eyon, who was appointed by Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole earlier 2012.

He also discussed the democratization process in Puntland and the need for support of districts residents to express their votes during election time.

The democratization process in Puntland is well underway and the current incumbent government has announced its political association. There are reports of a second political association that will be announced in the coming days.